Stress intensity factor and T-stress solutions for three-dimensional clamped single edge notched tension (SENT) specimens

In the present paper, a crack compliance analysis approach and extensive three-dimensional finite element analysis were conducted for clamped SENT specimens, which is one of the most widely used low-constraint specimens for less-conservative fracture toughness testing. A wide range of geometrical parameters variations are considered including in-plane crack depth to plate width ratio (a/W), out-of-plane plate thickness to width ratio (B/W), and daylight to width ratio (H/W). Complete solutions of stress intensity factor (K), in-plane T-stress (T-11) and out-of-plane T-stress (T-33) are obtained. The results obtained from above two methods are in good agreement. Furthermore, the combination of the effects of crack depths (a/W), plate thickness (B/W), and daylight to width ratio (H/W) on the stress intensity factor, T-11 and T-33 stress are thus illustrated. To better understand the difference between the derived stress intensity factor solutions and 2D plane strain results, fracture experiments were conducted for clamped SENT specimens with different crack depths. Solutions obtained will be very useful for analyzing fracture toughness test data and determining fatigue crack growth rate for clamped SENT specimens with different crack depths (a/W), plate thickness (B/W), and daylight to width ratio (H/W).