Rotational factor using bending moment approach under elasto-plastic situation—II. Crack 3PB geometry

Part I dealt with the evaluation of rotational factor considering the bending moment approach arising out of the stress distributions in the plane of fracture in a notched 3PB specimen. Part II is an extension of a similar approach for the situation with a sharp crack. The rotational factor is found to be around 0.41–0.42 in elastic situation (without considering plastic zone) and varies between 0.42 and 0.47 in elastic-plastic situation (considering plastic zone). Effects of other variables like initial crack size ( a 0), load ( P), elastic stress distribution range, state of stress, etc. have also been investigated. A mild dependency of a 0/ w on elastic rotational factor ( r e ) is observed in the range 0.15 ⩽ a 0/ w ⩽ 0.70, while the same is found to be independent of loading.