Prediction of fracture loads in PMMA U-notched specimens using the equivalent material concept and the theory of critical distances combined criterion

This paper provides a methodology for the prediction of fracture loads in notched materials that combines the equivalent material concept with the theory of critical distances. The latter has a linear-elastic nature and requires material calibration in those cases where the non-linear material behaviour is significant. The calibration may be performed by fracture testing on notched specimens or a combination of fracture testing and simulation. The proposed methodology sets out to define an equivalent linear-elastic material on which the theory of critical distances may be applied through its basic formulation and without any previous fracture testing and/or simulation. It has been applied to PMMA single edge notch bending specimens containing U-notches, providing accurate predictions of fracture loads.