Limit equilibrium of an orthotropic plate weakened by a periodic row of collinear cracks.

A modified δ_c-model is used to study the limiting state of an orthotropic plate weakened by a periodic row of collinear cracks and satisfying a general failure criterion. The failure mechanism of the plate is analyzed.Astudy is made of the effects of the degree of orthotropy, the biaxiality of external loading, and the geometrical parameters on the fracture process zones at the crack tips and the limiting state of the plate. The safe loading of an orthotropic viscoelastic plate with a periodic row of collinear cracks is examined. The effect of the rheological parameters on the safe-load region is studied [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]