Inverse crack problem in elasticity (Q1073639)

An exact solution is given to the problem of a penny-shaped crack embedded in a transversely isotropic elastic half-space when arbitrary normal displacements are prescribed at its faces. A new integral representation of the kernel of the governing integral equation allowed to obtain closed form expressions for all the quantities of interest like, stresses inside and outside the crack, stress intensity factor, work done to open the crack, directly through the given displacements. Several illustrative examples are considered.