Abstract
A fracture criterion based on the concept of linear notch mechanics (LNM) for predicting the fracture load of rigid plastics bars and FRP plates containing stress concentrations is subjected to further experimental scrutinization. An experimental program is presented which the effect of notch-root radius on the fracture. This is accomplished by obtaining experimental data on several thermoplastics and a glass-fiber/epoxy laminate containing stress concentrations for a wide range of notch geometries. The experiment shows that the maximum elastic stress at the notch root when the specimen fails is governed by the notch-root radius only. On the basis of the concept of LNM, the experimental results can be clearly explained, and a limiting condition for the fracture of rigid plastics and FRP containing notches is determined.
