Applications of the Green function for a half circular crack

The stress intension factor (K) distribution along a half circular crack in half infinite space due to arbitrary mode I loading is derived based on the Green function solution developed in a previous article. Using a perturbation theory first introduced by Rice, the theory is extended to somewhat half circular cracks. This technique allows for the cycle by cycle calculation of arbitrarily shaped surface cracks subject to an arbitrary mode I stress distribution. Several examples show the field and limits of application. Copyright 0 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd