Static strength of notched and cracked components

This paper deals with the static strength of components weakened by notches of different severity and made of materials showing either a brittle or a ductile behaviour. In the case of brittle behaviour, a criterion for structural strength assessments is proposed, which establishes a bridging between the classic Notch Mechanics and the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics, usually adopted for smoothly notched or cracked components, respectively. In the case of ductile-brittle behaviour, the upper and the lower bounds for structural strength are defined.