Sliding on cracks with non-uniform frictional characteristics

A crack that undergoes partial frictional sliding under compression and shear is analyzed. The frictional resistance is assumed to be non-uniform along the sliding contact. This non-uniformity may be due to variability of the coefficient of friction or due to variability of the normal traction along the crack (that may be caused by some external factors). Sliding, generally, starts at point(s) of low frictional resistance and may propagate along the crack as the applied loads are changed. This process and its sensitivity to the profile of the frictional resistance are analyzed. We also analyze the case when “open” (traction free) intervals along the crack are present; such intervals model the situations when a part of the material “fell off” and contact between the crack faces is partially lost.