THE EFFECT OF NOTCH GEOMETRY UPON SHEAR STRESS STATE IN A BEAM

The precise determination of the elastic and mechanical characteristics of the materials is essential in engineering. A simple method for finding both shear the strength and the shear modulus is proposed, based on a modified Iosipescu or Hawong shear test that uses a notched beam probe loaded by forces applied on the median line via four pins. The probe presents two V notches and the effect of the geometrical parameters is studied using the finite element analysis. For the modified probe, it is found that a notch angle of 110 degree is preferable in achieving an uniform shear stress state and the deeper the notch - the reduced stress concentrator effect. An advantage of the method is highlighted by the observation that the shear stress field in the studied region of the probe is symmetrical.