Understanding the effect of notches in orthotropic solids subjected to static loads

The main aim of the present paper is to propose and validate a new and simple diagram able to explain the effect of geometrical variations in orthotropic solids under static loads. The derived approach accounts for the effect of the local geometry of the notch as well as for the relevant material properties and highlights the parameters drawing the demarcation line from notch insensitivity, incomplete notch sensitivity and full notch sensitivity. In particular, it is demonstrated that when the notch depth is smaller than a characteristic length, aF, the notch does not have a detrimental effect and the design of the mechanical part can be carried out disregarding the geometrical variation. Differently, when the notch depth is larger than aF, full notch sensitivity or incomplete notch sensitivity can occur, depending on the actual value of the notch root radius. The soundness of the proposed diagram is checked against experimental data previously published in the literature and related to short fibre reinforced composites.