Abstract
In this paper, we consider an infinitely long elastic layer made of a Functionally Graded Material (FGM) with an embedded center crack subjected to arbitrary crack surface tractions. The material property grading is assumed to be exponential. Both the direction of material property variation and crack orientation are assumed to be arbitrary. The medium is modeled as a nonhomogeneous elastic solid with an isotropic stress-strain law under plane strain or generalized plane stress conditions. Fourier transforms are used to convert the coupled Navier's equations into a system of singular integral equations with the crack surface displacements as density functions. The integral equations are solved numerically to yield the displacement field in the medium. The primary objective of the paper is to study the effect of the nonhomogeneity parameters and the direction of material property variation on the crack tip stress intensity factors.