G0301204 Influence of notch root radius on the shape of plastic zone

Abstract

Based on the linear notch mechanics, it is expected that the size and shape of the resulted plastic zone at notch root due to the excessive loading, is almost identical when the maximum elastic stress at the notch root and the notch root radii are identical. In the present study, the influence of the notch root radius on the plastic zone size is discussed when the maximum elastic stress at notch root is identical. It was found from numerical analysis that, the size and shape of the plastic zone is strongly influenced by the notch root radius. The more the notch root radius becomes small, the larger plastic zone spreading in the direction perpendicular to the external load can be found.