Exact solution of a semi-infinite crack in an infinite piezoelectric body

Summary The paper presents an exact and complete solution of the problem of a semi-infinite plane crack in an infinite transversely isotropic piezoelectric body. The upper and lower crack faces are assumed to be loaded symmetrically by a couple of normal point forces in opposite directions and a couple of point charges. The solution is derived through a limiting procedure from the one of a penny-shaped crack. The expressions for the elastoelectric field are given in terms of elementary functions. Received 10 August 1998; accepted for publication 18 November 1998