A new simple specimen for mixed-mode (I/II) fracture and fatigue tests: Numerical and experimental studies

In the present investigation, a simple and efficient specimen geometry for conducting mixed mode (I/II) static fracture tests and fatigue crack growth studies has been proposed. No additional complicated fixtures are needed for loading the specimen and it can be used for both metallic and non-metallic materials. Large number of finite element analyses and mixed mode fracture experiments have been conducted. Present results of the experimental studies have been compared with widely used mixed mode (I/II) fracture criteria in terms of fracture toughness. The present experimental results are in very good agreement with the selected mixed mode (I/II) fracture criteria. Results of the present investigation clearly recommend the proposed specimen geometry as a useful mixed mode (I/II) specimen for fracture and fatigue studies.

Automated summary

A simple and efficient specimen geometry for mixed mode (I/II) fracture tests and fatigue crack growth studies has been proposed in this investigation. Through extensive finite element analyses and experimental studies, the proposed specimen geometry shows good agreement with widely used fracture criteria in terms of fracture toughness, indicating its practicality.