ABSTRACT
The Thermoelastic problem for homogenous layer bonded to two similar coated layers
with two surface cracks located symmetrically in the outer layers under transient
thermal stresses is considered. The transient thermal stresses are generated due to
quenching the surfaces containing the edge crack by convective cooling. Consequently,
very high tensile stresses developed near the cooled surfaces resulting in severe
damage. The analysis of the problem is worked out using the superposition technique
and the principle of quasi-static thermoelasticity behavior. The Fourier integral
transform technique is used to solve the crack problem resulting in a singular integral
equation of Cauchy type with the derivative of the crack surface displacement as
unknown function which is solved numerically. Some numerical values of the transient
stress intensity factors for two material combinations are obtained for both edge crack
and crack terminating at the interface and demonstrated in terms of time, crack length,
coefficient of heat transfer and thickness ratio.