Numerical solution for crack inclusion interaction using linear Eigenstrain

In contrast to available analytical solutions of crack-inclusion interaction field, a new superposition solution approach based on Eshelby's equivalent eigenstrain method with linear variation of eigenstrain is suggested and found more attractive on account of convenient computation and to gain the intuitive insight. While the boundary condition at crack face is exactly satisfied, the boundary condition at inclusion boundary is satisfied in asymptotic sense. In essence, the obtained solution for interaction field becomes exact, when the assumed eigenstrain representation is exact. With linear eigenstrain, the results quantitatively show that the stress intensity factor for the crack is slightly diminished by hard inclusion and that the inclusion eigenstrain is non-uniform. (author)