= Crack in a solid
= Crack
{synonym}
A crack is an internal separation surface, or a curve in a two-dimensional reduction, across which a displacement can have distinct traces. In the ideal traction-free model its two faces carry zero imposed traction. A crack tip or front terminates this separation and can produce a singular stress field. The <stress intensity factor> measures the leading singular amplitude, while the <energy release rate> measures the reduction in equilibrium potential energy per increment of crack extent.
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