Crack Model with Stress Gradients.

This study offers a model of crack surrounded by a layer of plastically deformed material. The stress-strain state of continuous medium with this crack is considered. The distribution of plastic deformation in the layer satisfies the material continuity condition, at which a gradual stress reduction occurs from the values in the bulk to a zero value on the crack surface. The calculations are based on the relaxation element method developed by the author. It is shown that the maximum stress gradient is observed at the free surface of crack and the maximum stress concentration in the plastic deformation zone. At high plastic deformation gradients, the stress concentration in the zone of plastic deformation can exists an order of magnitude greater than the external applied stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]