The self-similar problem of the expanding elliptical crack in an anisotropic solid

Abstract

The title problem is solved by a semi-inverse method involving plane wave expansions. Expressions are given for stress singularities near the crack edge and for the radiation patterns produced by the crack. The case of an elliptical crack in an isotropic medium expanding under shear is examined in detail. Finally, some generalizations are discussed. Solutions are outlined for when the centre of the crack is allowed to move and for a self-similar phase transformation problem, in which a phase change takes place in an expanding ellipsoidal region.