Estimation of critical values for crack initiation from sharp V-notches

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to estimate a critical value of an applied stress for a crack initiation from sharp tip of the V-notch using a procedure based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LELM). The V-notch represents singular stress concentrator with the stress singularity exponent different from 0.5, therefore the generalized form of LELM for stress distribution description in the vicinity of the sharp V-notch was used. The stress singularity exponent depends on the V-notch opening angle, in general. A stability criterion based on the average value of the tangential stress component across a critical distance d from the V-notch tip is used in the paper. Resultant values of the critical applied stress are compared with experimental data