International conference on role of fracture mechanics in modern technology : Fukuoka, Japan, June 2–6, 1986

An infinite elastic plane containing two straight cracks of arbitrary length and location is analyzed within the framework of elastostatics. The mathematical formulation is based on the stress solution for a single crack and leads to a system of singular integral equations that govern the crack surface displacement densities. The solution series in terms of the reciprocal of the crack centre distance is not suitable for cracks that are spaced too closely. It is shown by way of examples that the method of asymptotic solution is convenient for developing approximation expressions of the stress and displacement field with certain characteristics. The formulas for the stress intensity factors and crack opening are given for the case of a constant tensile load. Graphical results are given for the variations of the stress intensity factors with parameters depending on the relative positions of the cracks.