Integral Equation Methods And Numerical Solutions Of Crack And Inclusion Problems In Planar Elastostatics

We present algorithms for the crack- and inclusion problem in planar linear elastostatics. The algorithms are based on new integral equations. For the pure crack problem the integral equations are of Fredholm's second kind. Our algorithms show great stability and allow for solutions to problems more complex than previously has been possible. Our results are orders of magnitudes more accurate than those of previous investigators, which rely on integral equations of Fredholm's first kind. Key words. Cracks, composite materials, linear elasticity, integral equations of Fredholm type, e#ective elastic properties, stress intensity factors, numerical methods AMS subject classifications. 73C02, 31A10, 45E05, 65R20 1