A through interface crack between a ±45° transversely isotropic pair of materials

In this study, the first term of the asymptotic displacement and stress fields is determined analytically for a straight through crack along the interface between a ±45? transversely isotropic pair of materials. Since with this configuration, there is full coupling between the modes, this problem requires a three-dimensional treatment. To calculate stress intensity factors, a three-dimensional M-integral is derived using the asymptotic fields as auxiliary solutions. The displacement extrapolation method is derived as well, and used to check the results obtained by the M-integral. Two numerical test cases are employed to examine the accuracy of both methods. Results obtained for other mechanical problems are presented as well.