A review of the notch rounding approach under in plane mixed mode loading

The analytical framework of the method is herein recalled and the fictitious notch radius is determined as a function of the real notch radius, the microstructural support length and the notch opening angle. In order to reduce the complexity of the task, we adopt a method based on the normal stress failure criterion. The method provides the values of the microstructural support factor as a function of the mode mixity parameter and the notch-opening angle. Moreover, the support factor is assumed independent of the microstructural support length. Finite element simulations for various notch shape and configurations are compared to experimental data from pointed V-notches made of polymethylmethacrylate. The model prediction showed good agreement with the experimental results. These results are very promising for the application to welded structures.