Numerical Fracture Analysis of Chevron‐Notched Specimens: I, Shear Correction Factor, k

Numerical analyses are developed in both short bar and 4‐point bend bar cases to estimate the interlaminar shear correction factor k of chevron‐notched specimens with various kinds of geometry. The values of k were calculated by comparing the specimen compliances of Bluhm's slice models with those of finite element models. We elucidated the effect of surface boundary on k and modified the Bluhm's assumption. The modification has a slight influence on compliance, but is substantial when considering the stress intensity factor and elastic stored energy at fracture load. The present results give a basis for further consideration of the fracture behavior of chevron‐notched specimens. Part II is a discussion of the stability condition for crack growth of chevron‐notched specimens using the present results.