Theoretical analysis of Mode II cracks in a Compact Shear Specimen

The work presents a theoretical study (an asymptotic analytical and a semi-analytical) of the interaction of two parallel cracks under Mode II loading corresponding to the loading in the Compact Shear Specimen. Approximate analytical formulas for the stress intensity factors at the crack tips are derived. A numerical calculation for the corresponding integral equations is presented. The influence of geometry of the problem, i.e. the crack inclination angle to the remote shear loading and the distance between the cracks, on the SIFs and on the angles of the initial propagation direction of the cracks is investigated.