Abstract

Micro-defects are often ubiquitous in engineering materials and structures. For example, bearings contain inhomogeneities, cracks and voids. Micro-defects often influence the mechanical and physical properties of materials at the global and local scales, and in most cases, micro-defects are detrimental to the life of products. We solved the problem of multiple inhomogeneous inclusions in an infinite space by using the equivalent inclusion method. Using similar techniques, the problem of multiple inclusions in a half space was also solved.

A fast Fourier transform algorithm and a modified conjugate gradient method were developed to evaluate the solutions. These solutions had the following features: multiple inhomogeneous inclusions and their interactions were considered, they could be irregular and could have different material properties. Examples will be presented.

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Leon M Keer was educated the the California Institute of Technology and the University of Minnesota. In 1964 he joined the faculty at Northwestern University in the Department of Civil Engineering. He is currently Walter P Murphy Professor in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. His areas of research are contact mechanics, structure and fatigue. He has been active in many professional societies. In the American Society of Mechanical Engineers he was Technical Editor of the Journal of Applied Mechanics and has received the Drucker Medal and the Mayo D. Hersey Award.