CRACKING OF SIMPLE STRUCTURAL GEOMETRIES: THE EFFECTS OF EDGE NOTCH GEOMETRY ON FLAT STEEL PLATES.

This report covers an investigation to determine the relative cracking tendency of simple geometries common to ship structures and presents the results of tensile tests on edge notch specimens. The edge notched specimens were 15in wide by 40in long and prepared from 34in thick Dn steel. The edge notching consisted of notches at the mid-length of the specimen and notches separated by a reduced width portion. The results of the tests are classified on the basis of strength, energy absorption and transition temperatures. The results indicate that there is no marked difference in transition temperature for the various types of edge notches, which included a jewelers hack saw cut at 90 to the plate edge, a similar flame cut notch, flame cut notches with various included angles, flame cut semi-circules, and notches similar to the foregoing but having an elongated reduced width section. There is, however, a considerable difference in the action of the specimens with regard to strength and energy absorption. Author