Output details

The theory of critical distances to predict static strength of notched brittle components subjected to mixed-mode loading

The cracking behaviour of specimens of polymethylmethacrylate containing different geometrical features and loaded in combined tension/torsion was investigated experimentally. The observed peculiar cracking behaviour was incorporated into the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD). Thus the TCD was reformulated accordingly and can now be used to predict static failures in notched brittle components subjected to multiaxial loading. This advance allows predictions characterised by an accuracy level much higher than by the existing standard methods: this obviously results in lighter engineering components, strongly reducing the usage of natural resources.