A complementary ηpl approach in J and CTOD estimations for clamped SENT specimens

A complementary plastic η factor (ηpl) approach that incorporates both strain hardening and thickness corrections in the J and CTOD estimations is developed for the clamped single-edge notched tension (SENT) specimen in the present study. A series of extensive two-dimensional (2D) plane-strain and three-dimensional (3D) finite element analyses (FEAs) is carried out. For a given specimen, the ηpl value is evaluated from corresponding numerical data. The coefficients of strain hardening correction terms and thickness correction terms are derived from 2D plane-strain and 3D FEAs, respectively. This newly developed approach is verified from results for specimens with BS-8571 recommended geometric configurations.