An integral equation method in dynamic fracture mechanics

This paper contains a study of the problems of crack propagation under static stresses and under transient stress waves. Within the assumption of linear elastic fracture mechanics, an integral-equation method has been developed for the analysis of these problems. The method has been applied to: (a) the determination of the stress intensity factor at a given loading and a crack-tip velocity and (b) the determination of the crack-tip motion under a given transient loading.