Approximate stress intensity factors for cracked V-notched specimens based on asymptotic solutions with application to T-joints

This paper presents an approximate method based on asymptotic solutions for estimating the stress intensity factor K for semi-elliptic surface cracks at stress concentrations. The proposed equations make use of a reference solution to interpolate over the entire range from shallow to deep cracks. The reference solution is obtained by considering the current crack emanating from the associated specimen with a sharp notch. It is shown that the proposed formulae satisfy the shallow and deep crack asymptotes. The asymptotic solutions are applied to a T-joint with a fillet-weld-shaped transition. The accuracy of the predictions is assessed using numerical calculations.