ME 616: Homework 1

• Please write the following pledge on the first page of your answer sheets:

– I pledge on my honor that I have not received answer sheets from any of my course mates for
the homework.
– I pledge on my honor that I have not sent my answer sheets to any of my course mates for the
homework.

1. Consider the following Airy stress function

θ 1 3θ
φ = Cr3/2 (cos + cos )
2 3 2
Verify that it corresponds to a semi-infinite crack subjected to mode 1 loading with crack faces at
θ = ±π being traction free.
2. Derive the expressions for the radial and tangential components of the displacement field, ur and
uθ , in the vicinity of the crack tip subject to Mode II loading. Assume plane stress conditions
and consider only the singular components of the stress field. In addition also find the Cartesian
components of the displacement field, u1 and u2 in the vicinity of the crack tip.
3. Derive the expressions of the principal stresses for Mode I and Mode II fracture. Consider only the
singular components of the stress field.
4. Calculate the expression of strain energy contained in a small circle of radius rO surrounding the
crack tip subjected to Mode I loading. Assume plane strain conditions.
5. The stress intensity factor for a crack of length 2a in an infinite plate subject to Mode I loading is
√
KI = σ∞ πa, where σ∞ is the far field stress. Similarly the stress intensity factor for a crack of
√
length 2a in an infinite plate subject to Mode II loading is KII = τ∞ πa, where τ∞ is the far field
loading. Now consider a crack of length 2a in a infinite plate which makes an angle β with the X1
axis and is subjected to the far field stress σ22 = σ∞ . Find the Mode I and Mode II stress intensity
factors in this case.