Finite Fracture Mechanics and Cohesive Crack Model: Size effects through a unified formulation

Finite Fracture Mechanics and Cohesive Crack Model can effectively predict the strength of plain, cracked or notched structural components, overcoming classical drawbacks Linear Elastic Mechanics. Aim present work is to investigate size effects by expressing each model as a unified system two equations, describing stress requirement energy balance, respectively. Brittle crack onset in different configurations considered: (i) circular hole tensile slab; (ii) an un-notched beam under pure bending. The study performed through semi-analytical parametric approach. Finally, theoretical predictions are validated with experimental results available literature for both geometries, estimations point criterion framework Theory Critical Distances.