Mode I fatigue limit of notched structures: A deeper insight into Finite Fracture Mechanics

In the present contribution, the coupled stress-energy criterion of Finite Fracture Mechanics (FFM) is applied to assess the fatigue limit of structures weakened by sharp V- and U-notches and subjected to mode I loading conditions. The FFM is a critical-distance-based approach whose implementation requires the knowledge of two material properties, namely the plain material fatigue limit and the threshold value of the stress intensity factor (SIF) range for the fatigue crack growth of long cracks. However, the FFM critical distance is a structural parameter, being a function not only of the material but also of the geometry of the notched component. Experimental notch fatigue results taken from the literature and referred to a variety of materials and geometrical configurations are compared with FFM theoretical estimations, obtained through simple semi-analytical relationships. The case of semi-circular edge notches is also dealt with.