A fracture criterion for sharp V-notched samples

The objective of this paper is to show the advantages of the cohesive crack model for predicting fracture of V-notched components. Critical values of the generalized stress intensity factor can be obtained from the knowledge of the material softening function and the elastic parameters, avoiding a cumbersome experimental work. The results were checked successfully against experimental ones, from other authors, in different materials: steel. aluminium. PMMA and PVC. A non dimensional formulation of the fracture criterion for sharp V-notched components was obtained and a simple approximate expression derived for easy application.