On characteristic lengths used in notch fracture mechanics
Résumé
In this paper, four kinds of characteristic length parameters used in a local notch fracture criterion are presented: (1) a characteristic length ρc generally connecting to the notch radius, (2) a characteristic distance Xc considered as intrinsic to material and connected to the microstructure, (3) a critical distance d0 considered as intrinsic to material and connected to the fracture process zone, (4) an effective distance Xef considered as a characteristic of the stress distribution. Each approach is discussed. The paper ends with the author’s opinion about the different methods