Plane Elastostatic Solution in an Infinite Functionally Graded Layer Weakened by a Crack Lying in the Middle of the Layer

This paper is concerned with an internal crack problem in an infinite functionally graded elastic layer. The crack is opened by an internal uniform pressure along its surface. The layer surfaces are supposed to be acted on by symmetrically applied concentrated forces of magnitude with respect to the centre of the crack. The applied concentrated force may be compressive or tensile in nature. Elastic parameters λ and μ are assumed to vary along the normal to the plane of crack. The problem is solved by using integral transform technique. The solution of the problem has been reduced to the solution of a Cauchy-type singular integral equation, which requires numerical treatment. The stress-intensity factors and the crack opening displacements are determined and the effects of graded parameters on them are shown graphically.