The Effect of Inclined U-Notch Geometry on Mode Ratio (KII/KI) under Mixed Mode (I + II) Loading

In inclined U-notches, the mixed mode (I + II) loading occurs and the mode ratio can be increased by varying the notch angle. In this paper, the effect of the inclined U-notch geometry, i.e. the notch depth, the notch angle, the notch root radius, and the position of the notch with respect to supports, on the mode ratio (KII/KI) have been studied. Three-point bending and plane strain condition have been considered in this study. Finite element results using ANSYS have shown that the mode ratio increases by increasing the notch root radius. Also, it has been found that the mode ratio decreases by increasing the distance of the notch from the supports, and by increasing the notch angle. However, it is seen that the notch depth has complicated effect on the mode ratio. The variation of the mode ratio with respect to the notch depth has a relative maximum and a relative minimum.