Macrocrack interaction with transverse array of microcracks

General formulation of a problem involving a macrocrack propagating through an area with microcracks is considered. The analysis is based on the simultaneous solution of a system of singular integral equations. Various methods described in the literature are discussed in detail and compared. The specific problem considered was a macrocrack approaching an infinite transverse array of microcracks. Results illustrate the effects of different loading types and can be used for interpretation of the microcrack toughening mechanisms. Numerical comparisons are made with data recently appearing in literature which demonstrates the importance of numerical accuracy. Reported results differ by a factor in certain cases as compared with data given in other literature.