The stress field and intensity factor due to a craze formed at the equator of a spherical inhomogeneity

The problem of a hoop-like craze formed at the equator of a spherical inhomogeneity has been investigated. The inhomogeneity is embedded in an infinitely extended elastic body which is under uniaxial tension. Both the inhomogeneity and the matrix are isotropic but have different elastic moduli. The craze is treated as a crack with parallel fibrils connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The analysis is based on the superposition principle of the elasticity theory, Hankel transform and Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method. The stress field inside the inhomogeneity and the stress intensity factor on the boundary of the craze are evaluated in the form of integral equations which are solved numerically. The result obtained is in good agreement with experimental results given in the literature. By setting the elastic moduli of the inhomogeneity the same as those of the matrix, the stress intensity factor for a thin hoop-like crack embedded in an isotropic matrix can be obtained as a deduction. © 1993.