A fast procedure to predict the notch strength with the coupled criterion

An efficient procedure is described for applying the Coupled Criterion in order to estimate the notch strength of a structure made of a brittle material. It is based on the representation of the size effect law, which gives the notch strength as a function of a characteristic structure length. A new analytical formulation of this function, which depends on only three parameters, is provided. Three parameters must be identified, requiring only three finite element calculations. The accuracy of the approach is verified by analyzing various notched structures.