Thermal fracture of macrocrack with closure as influenced by microcracks

The fracture stability of macrocracks under uniform heat flux is analyzed to include the effect of a system of microcracks. The interaction of cracks leads to full or partial closure of crack surfaces. The boundary problem is stated and a solution is obtained. The domains where microcracks are closed and/or affect partial closing of the macrocrack are found. Evaluated is the macrocrack tip stress intensity factor accounting for closure.