Mode II Semi-Analytical Simplified Approach for Stress Field Distributions Around Notch Tip in Composite Materials

Abstract

In this study, a novel semi-analytical formulation based on linear elastic fracture mechanics is developed to simplify the calculation of notch stress intensity factor (N-SIF) in V-notched composite materials under in-plane shear displacement conditions. The proposed equation has been simplified by incorporating stress singularity order corresponding to the notch angle, mechanical properties, notch depth, and material anisotropy. Over 9000 numerical simulations were conducted, considering 8 different notch angles, 10 notch depths, and 88 composite materials for a wide range of material anisotropy. The simplified formula was then used to obtain the N-SIF by fitting the large number of numerical models to evaluate the notch bisector shear stress field. A different set of composite materials was also used to verify the semi-analytical formula. The error analysis demonstrated that the dimensionless N-SIF determined by the proposed formula exhibits high accuracy for a wide range of composite materials.