Abstract:To gain a deeper understanding of the constraint effect exerted by the double crack tip and to accurately characterize this effect, this study focuses on non-collinear parallel double cracks in a homogeneous plate. It examines the stress and strain fields associated with these double cracks, paying particular attention to their behavior at various horizontal distances (s) and vertical distances (h). Additionally, by leveraging the unified constraint parameter Ap, the authors compare the constraint of the double crack tip with that of an equivalent single crack tip. The findings reveal significant differences in the distribution and magnitude of stress and strain at the crack tips of double cracks compared to their equivalent single crack counterparts. Attempting to calculate the constraint of double cracks using the stress or strain field at a crack tip, as per the conventional method for single crack tips, would yield inaccurate results. Therefore, it is imperative to initially calculate the total strain field both inside and outside the crack tips of double cracks (Atotal). Based on the calculations, the magnitude of the double crack constraint ranges from 0.10 to 0.30 of the total strain field (Atotal). This study offers valuable insights into the constraint effect of double crack tips and presents a novel approach for characterizing the constraint associated with double cracks.