Mode I Generalised Stress Intensity Factors for rounded notches in orthotropic plates

In this paper, taking advantage of a recent analytical solution for the stress fields in notched orthotropic plates under tension, new equations are provided for the mode I Generalised Stress Intensity Factor (GSIF) in the case of rounded notches. Such equations explicitly consider the role played by the material properties and the notch opening angle, and inherently quantify the stress redistribution due to the finite value of the root radius with respect to the pointed notch case. The main features of the GSIFs when applied to rounded notches are discussed, as well as the combined effect of the notch root radius and the elastic properties of the material. The developed new equations are then used to provide an engineering formula to assess the stress concentration factor of orthotropic plates with notches. Eventually, a GSIF-based fracture criterion is proposed for notched orthotropic plates under mode I, and its validity is discussed against some experimental data on notched composite laminates taken from the literature.