Energy Release Rate for a Quasic-Static Mode I Crack in a Nonhomogeneous Linearly Viscoelastic Body

摘要

The Energy Release Rate (ERR) for the quasi-static problem of a semiinfinite mode I crack propagating through an inhomogeneous isotropic linearly viscoelastic body is examined. The shear modulus is assumed to have a power law dependence on depth from the plane of the crack and a very general behavior in time. A Barenblatt type failure zone is introduced in order to cancel the singular stress and a formula for the ERR is derived which explicitly displays the combined influences of material viscoelasticity and inhomogeneity. The ERR is calculated for both power law material and the standard linear solid and the qualitative features of the ERR are presented along with numerical illustrations. Keywords: viscoelasticity; dynamic fracture; dynamic energy release rate; Barenblatt zone; crack growth.