Elementary strength theory of cracked beams

Approximate expressions for stress intensity factors (SIFs), based on energy release rates, of straight, cracked beams are calculated, using the approach proposed by Herrmann et al. Three basic loading conditions are studied: pure bending, pure tension and pure torsion. The SIFs resulting from these cases are used to determine the stress intensity factors of other frequently used specimens of experimental fracture mechanics, e.g. of the single-edge-notch rectangular beam specimen, of three- and four-point bending specimens, the compact tension specimen and of the circumferentially cracked cylinder. Moreover, asymptotic expansions of the SIFs are used to calculate a correction factor for each case.