Improved linear notch mechanics for lightweight design using MFS

Abstract

This paper is a study of a new prediction method for accurately evaluating the brittle fracture strength of notched materials with multiple holes using the methods of fundamental solutions(MFS). Conventional linear notch mechanics (LNM) was proposed in 1980’s to clarify the distinction between the fracture and non-fracture zones using a master-curve. It is effective for evaluating the fracture strength of notched materials with a single hole. When multiple holes are adjacent to each other, the conventional LNM is less accurate in predicting the fracture strength. To eliminate the shortcomings, I proposed the improved linear notch mechanics (ILNM), which uses the stress gradient χ at the bottom of the notch instead of a notch radius ρ. For lightweight design, the applicability of ILNM and its effectiveness are verified for notched materials with multiple holes by some experiments and some calculations.