J-Integral Analysis of Three-Point Bend Specimen

Abstract

A J-integral solution is derived for the three-point bend [SE(B)] specimen. The solution allows analysis for a/W greater than 0.2. The solution is based on an approach that does not require an assumption of net-section yielding in the remaining uncracked ligament. Solutions are presented for both the deformation theory J and modified J. These solutions are suitable for J-resistance curve analysis and require data from only one specimen. Solution for a special case of power law hardening material is presented. Consequences of the separability assumption between load-point displacement and crack length on the resulting J solution are discussed. This work indicates that the plastic η factor from previous solutions is significantly underestimated for a/W less than 0.6. Numerical results show that Jd and JM resistance curves are closer than those obtained from previous solutions. A solution for normalizing the load-displacement curve is also presented.