An estimation of stress intensity factor in a clamped SE(T) specimen through numerical simulation and experimental verification: case of FCGR of AISI H11 tool steel

A finite element analysis of stress intensity factors (K‐I) in clamped SE(T)(C) specimens (dog bone profile) is presented. A J‐integral approach is used to calculate the values of stress intensity factors valid for 0.125 <= a/W <= 0.625. A detailed comparison is made with the work of other researchers on rectangular specimens. Different boundary conditions are explored to best describe the real conditions in the laboratory. A sensitivity study is also presented to explore the effects of variation in specimen position in the grips of the testing machine. Finally the numerically calculated SIF is used to determine an FCGR curve for AISI H11 tool steel on SE(T)(C) specimens and compared with C(T) specimen of the same material.