A new explicit solution for the mode I stress fields in notched orthotropic solids

This paper deals with the stress distributions in orthotropic solids weakened by hyperbolic-shaped notches and loaded under in-plane tension. A complex potential function and proper boundary conditions are proposed from which, thanks to an optimization algorithm, a new solution is derived that can account for the geometrical features of the notch, such as the notch radius and opening angle, as well as the elastic material properties.A large bulk of results from two-dimensional finite element analyses are then compared with the derived solution, documenting its high accuracy, and showing the improvements with respect to the previous existing solution for the same problem.