Stress calculations on multiply connected domains

The outstanding problem of finding a simple Muskhelishvili-type integral equation for stress problems on multiply connected domains is solved. Complex potentials are represented in a way which allows, for the incorporation of cracks and inclusions. Several numerical examples demonstrate the generality and extreme stablity of the approach. The stress field is resolved with a relative error of less than 10(-10) on a large, yet simple reproducible, setup with a loaded square plate containing 4090 holes and cracks, Comparison with previous results in the literature indicates that general-purpose finite-element software may perform better than many special-purpose codes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)