Two collinear square-hole cracks in an infinite plate in tension

By using a hybrid displacement discontinuity method and a generalization of Bueckner’s principle, the interactions of two collinear square-hole cracks in an infinite plate in tension are investigated in this paper. Numerical examples are included to illustrate that the numerical approach is very effective for analyzing multiple-hole cracks in an infinite plate in tension. Many numerical results are given and discussed. It is found that a square hole has a shielding effect on crack(s) emanating from the hole. The finding perhaps has an important meaning in engineering.