Fracture of U-notched specimens under mixed mode: Experimental results and numerical predictions

The first part of the paper gives an account of 153 fracture tests on blunted notched specimens (with notches of root radius ranging from 0.3 to 4.0 mm), loaded under mixed mode (ranging from almost pure mode I to mode II, and beyond). Maximum loads and initial crack angles were measured as a function of notch root radius and loading mixity. Such results can help in evaluating numerical models of the fracture of notched components. The second part of the paper deals with the suitability of the cohesive crack concept for predicting fracture loads under mixed mode. Use of local mode I was considered for numerical computations. Comparison of experimental results with numerical predictions was significantly accurate. Diagrams of fracture loci for notched components loaded under mixed mode are discussed.