Modified dugdale model for multiple circular arc-cracks with unified plastic zones: a complex variable approach

A crack arrest model is presented in this paper for multiple circular arc-cracks with coalesced yield zones. The geometry of cracks discussed in the article assumes as a prelude to the case of two equal circular arc-cracks. Further, the influence of variable stress distribution on the rims of the cracks is studied. Analytical expressions for stress intensity factors and applied load ratios are obtained using the complex variable method. Numerical results are obtained for applied load ratio, yield zone length, and reported graphically.