Discrete-continuum model of symmetric separation of a material

A problem of the beginning of motion of a finite-width cut in a linearly elastic plane under the action of symmetric external loading is formulated. The material on the way of cut propagation forms a layer (interaction layer). The stress-strain state of the material is postulated to be homogeneous across this layer. A system of integral boundary equations is obtained for determining the stress-strain state. Based on this system of equations, a discrete model of separation of the layer material is constructed under the assumption of a constant stress-strain state in an element of the interaction layer. The stress distribution in the pre-fracture zone is determined. __________ Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika i Tekhnicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 134–140, January–February, 2009.