Assessing the Notch Sensitivity of High Strength Wires

Abstract High strength wires, which have a poor notch sensitivity performance, are currently been used on many offshore applications where high stresses without yielding are demanded. To assess these wires notch sensitivity, an integrated approach was implemented. An experimental program was conducted, through the realization of fatigue tests to obtain the fatigue limit for notched and notched free specimens to assess the fatigue stress concentration factor. A numerical approach using Finite Element Method, and an analytical model, available in technical literature, were used to assess the stress concentration factor. With both results, the notch sensitivity could be obtained.