Two-dimensional problem of an infinite matrix reinforced with a Steigmann–Ogden cylindrical surface of circular arc cross-section

The plane strain problem of an elastic matrix subjected to uniform far-field load and containing a Steigmann–Ogden material surface with circular arc cross-section is considered. The governing equations and the boundary conditions for the problem are reviewed. Exact complex integral representations for the elastic fields everywhere in the material are provided. The problem is further reduced to the system of real variables hypersingular boundary integral equations in terms of the first component of the surface stress tensor (surface stress) and the remaining component of that tensor and its second derivative, along with various problem parameters. The two unknowns are then approximated by the series of trigonometric functions that are multiplied by the square root weight functions to allow for automatic incorporation of the tip conditions. The unknown coefficients in series are found from the system of linear algebraic equations that is solved using standard collocation method. The numerical examples are presented to illustrate the influence of dimensionless parameters. The connection of the problem with that of rigid circular arc is discussed. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd