Equilibrium of layers weakened by loaded cuts

In this paper, a symmetric boundary value problem of the stress analysis for an equilibrium of layer with end-supports covered by diaphragms and weakened by several loaded stress raisers is investigated. The given boundary value problem is reduced to an infinite system of singular integral equations of the second kind. The expressions for stress components in an elastic layer weakened by stress raisers are presented. Based on the developed analytical procedure, extensive numerical investigations have been conducted. The results of these investigations are illustrated graphically exposing some novel qualitative and quantitative knowledge about stress concentration in the layer depending on some geometric parameters of stress raisers and Poisson’s ratio of a layer material.