A constraint-based approach for notch cleavage fracture toughness estimations

A stress-based approach is used to evaluate the role of notch sharpness on effective toughness of S355J2 + N steel samples. A notch corrected constraint method based on a J-Q approach is proposed for the first time. The approach is calibrated using experimental fracture data of pre-cracked and notched SEN(B) samples and validated using notched C(T) data from open literature for the same material. A two-parameter Weibull model is used to describe the probability of failure to incorporate confidence levels into the analysis. The methodology shows to be a promising method for assessment of non-sharp defects where benefit may be taken from resolving non-sharp defects acuity.