A semi-analytic solution for multiple curved cracks emanating from circular hole using singular integral equation

This paper provides an elastic solution for an infinite plate containing multiple curved edge cracks emanating from a circular hole. A fundamental solution is suggested, which represents a particular solution for a concentrated dislocation in an infinite plate with the traction free hole. The generalized image method and the concept of the modified complex potentials are used in the derivation of the fundamental solution. After using the fundamental solution and placing the distributed dislocations at the prospective sites of cracks, a singular integral equation is formulated. The singular integral equation is solved by using the curve length method in conjunction with the semi-opening quadrature rule. By taking an additional point dislocation at the hole center, the number of the unknowns is equal to the number of the resulting algebraic equations. This is a particular advantage of the suggested method. Finally, several numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the method presented. Numerical examinations are carried out and sufficient accurate results have been found.