Non-localized creep assessment of V-notched components: a review

The key in getting the extension to blunt V-notches is the assumption of the generalized Lazzarin-Tovo solution that allows a unified approach to the evaluation of linear elastic stress fields in the neighbourhood of both cracks and notches. Numerous examples have been analysed up to date, and the stress fields obtained according to the proposed method were compared with appropriate finite element data, showing a very good agreement. In view of the promising results, authors are considering possible further extension of the method to sharp V-notches and cracks introducing the concept of the Strain Energy Density (SED).