Analytical representation of the non-square-root singular stress field at a finite angle sharp notch

The stress field near the tip of a finite angle sharp notch is singular. However, unlike a crack, the order of the singularity at the notch tip is less than one-half. Under tensile loading, such a singularity is characterized by a generalized stress intensity factor which is analogous to the mode I stress intensity factor used in fracture mechanics, but which has order less than one-half. By using a cohesive zone model for a notional crack emanating from the notch tip, we relate the critical value of the generalized stress intensity factor to the fracture toughness. The results show that this relation depends not only on the notch angle, but also on the maximum stress of the cohesive zone model. As expected the dependence on that maximum stress vanishes as the notch angle approaches zero. The results of this analysis compare very well with a numerical (finite element) analysis in the literature. For mixed-mode loading the limits of applicability of using a mode I failure criterion are explored.