MIXED-MODE CRACK EXTENSION IN ORTHOTROPIC MATERIALS UNDER BIAXIAL LOAD

The problem of an infinite orthotropic material with a central crack inclined with respect to the principal axes of material symmetry is analyzed. The material is subjected to uniform biaxial load along its boundary. By considering the effect of the horizontal load, the distribution of stresses at the crack tip is analyzed. The direction of crack extension in orthotropic solids is examined. The results based on the normal stress ratio theory show significant effects of biaxial load, crack inclination angle, fiber angle and orthotropic material properties on the crack extension.