On the debonding of an elastic elliptical inhomogeneity under antiplane shear

Abstract

This paper presents an explicit solution to the antiplane problem of a partially debonded elliptical inhomogeneity embedded in an isotropic elastic medium. The boundary value problem is formulated through the complex variable method and is reduced to the solution of a Riemann-Hilbert problem with the aid of the conformal mapping technique and the analytical continuation principle. The complex potentials governing the problem are derived explicitly in both the elliptical inhomogeneity and the surrounding matrix and the corresponding formulae for the stress intensity factors of the interface crack are provided. Several particular solutions, resulting from the current general formulation, are considered in detail and verified by comparison with those existing in the literature. In addition, the effects of material and geometrical parameters upon the change in the stress intensity factors are discussed.