Slip-line field solutions of three-point bend specimens with deep notches

Slip-line field solutions of three-point bend specimens with different notch depths, notch angles and notch root radii are presented. For notch angles less than the critical value the plastic region is localized at the ligament but for larger notch angles the plastic region spreads to the flanks of the notch. It is shown that the critical angle decreases with increasing notch depth and decreasing root radius. Solutions for the constraint factor and maximum hydrostatic stress beneath the notch tip are also obtained as a function of both notch depth and root radius for notch angles above and below the critical value.