A continuously distributed dislocation model of Zener–Stroh–Koehler cracks in anisotropic materials

Based on the continuously distributed dislocation theory (CDDT), the problem of stress equilibrium of a Zener– Stroh–Koehler (ZSK)-type crack in an anisotropic body under mix-mode loading conditions is solved. The solution is obtained for the condition that plastic yielding occurs rectilinearly in front of the crack-tip. The plastic zones size, the crack opening displacements and the energy release rates under mix-mode loading conditions are derived, in closed forms. The orientation dependence in the above quantities is discussed.