Growth characteristics of two interacting cracks

This paper deals with the growth characteristics of two interacting cracks in a mixed mode condition. The problem considered is that of two cracks of different lengths, arbitrarily placed in a plane. A uniform load is applied in the plane at a large distance away from the cracks. The objectives of this study are threefold: (1) Solve the mixed boundary value problem described in the foregoing; (2) Predict the most vulnerable crack tip where the instability would first occur as the load is increased; (3) Determine the directions in which the cracks may grow. The numerical results given are only for the specific case of one crack lying along a radial line which emanates from the tip of the other crack at an arbitrary angle.