A griffith crack problem for an inhomogeneous elastic material

Summary This paper examines the problem of a Mode I crack in a nonhomogeneous elastic medium. It is assumed that the shear modulus varies exponentially with the coordinate perpendicular to the plane of the crack. The problem is reduced to a Fredholm integral equation and in terms of its solution the normal components of stress and displacement are described. Expressions are also derived for the stress intensity factor and the crack energy. The effect of the inhomogeneity is examined and comparisons made with the corresponding results for the homogeneous material.