Out-of-Plane Bending Stress Intensity Factor Analysis of Strip with Simulated Center Crack by using Single-element Strain Gauge

This study aims to analyze the stress intensity factor KI of a flat plate with a simulated through-thickness crack subjected to out-of-plane bending, using a single-element 104° K-value gauge designed explicitly for stress intensity factor analysis, which the authors developed. The accuracy of the analysis was verified by comparing the results with K-values extrapolated from finite element method (FEM) analysis, and the effect of crack length on the analysis accuracy was also investigated. A simulated through-thickness crack was introduced into the center of a stainless steel plate using wire-cut electrical discharge machining. An out-of-plane bending load was applied to the specimen using a four-point bending test. As a result, the analysis of the out-of-plane bending stress intensity factor for the crack lengths used in this study achieved an accuracy within ±7% error.