Analysis of Three-Dimensional Clamped Single Edge Notched Tension (SENT) Specimens

In the present paper, three-dimensional clamped SENT specimens, which is one of the most widely used low-constraint and less-conservative specimen, are analyzed by using a crack compliance analysis approach and extensive finite element analysis. Considering the test standard (BS8571) recommended specimen sizes, the daylight to width ratio, H/W, is 10.0, the relative crack depth, a/W, is varied by 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 or 0.6 and the relative plate thickness, B/W, is chosen by 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0, respectively. Complete solutions of fracture mechanics parameters, including stress intensity factor (K), in-plane T-stress (T₁₁) and out-of-plane T-stress (T₃₃) are calculated, and the results obtained from above two methods have a good agreement. Moreover, the combination of the effects of a/W and B/W on the stress intensity factor K, T₁₁ and T₃₃ stress are thus illustrated.