Strain energy-based evaluations of plastic notch stress intensity factors at pointed V-notches under tension

An analytical study is carried out on the existing link between elastic and plastic notch stress intensity factors at pointed V-notches in plates under tension.The frame is developed on the basis of the elastic and plastic energy concentration factors of the notch defined here as the ratio between the local and the nominal strain energy densities. The link varies under plane stress and plane strain conditions. The local strain energy density is evaluated over a control volume drawn by the energy contour lines ahead of the notch and allows plastic notch stress intensity factors to be predicted on the basis of an ideally linear elastic analysis, both under small and large scale yielding.

Highlight► A study is carried out on the link between elastic and plastic NSIFs at pointed V-notches in plates. ► The analytical frame is based on elastic and plastic energy concentration factors. ► The link between the elastic and plastic NSIFs is different under plane stress and plane strain. ► The local strain energy density is evaluated over a control volume drawn by the energy contour lines.