Fracture analysis and improved design for a symmetrically bonded smart structure with linearly non-homogeneous magnetoelectroelastic properties

The mechanical model was established for the anti-plane interfacial fracture problem of a symmetrically bonded smart structure with linearly non-homogeneous magnetoelectroelastic properties. The system of Cauchy singular integral equations for the interfacial crack was derived by Fourier integral transform. The numerical solutions of the Cauchy singular integral equations were obtained by the Lobatto–Chebyshev collocation method put up by Erdogan and Gupta. The mechanical strain energy release rate and the total energy release rate were chosen as fracture parameters to discuss the effect of the non-homogeneity parameter on the extension force of the crack. A conclusion was drawn that, to reduce the weak-discontinuity of the interface in the magnetoelectroelastic structure would be beneficial to decrease the extension force of the interfacial crack. Based on this conclusion, a new improved design was suggested for the symmetrically bonded linearly non-homogeneous magnetoelectroelastic composite. The enhancement of the capability of the improved structure to resist interfacial fracture was validated by comparison between the improved and unimproved structures for their fracture responses.