The mixed mode crack problem in an FGM layer bonded to a homogeneous half-plane

In this paper, the plane elasticity problem of an arbitrarily oriented crack in a FGM layer bonded to a homogeneous half-plane is considered. The problem is modeled by assuming that the elastic properties of the FGM layer are exponential functions of the thickness coordinate and are continuous at the interface of the FGM layer and the half-plane. The Fourier transform technique is used to reduce the problem to the solution of a system of Cauchy-type singular integral equations, which are solved numerically. The stress intensity factors are computed for various crack orientations, crack locations and material parameters. The results show that crack length, crack orientation and the nonhomogeneity parameter of the strip material have significant effect on the fracture of the FGM layer.