Abstract
This paper applies a methodology in which the Average Strain Energy Density (ASED) criterion is used to estimate fracture loads on 3D printed graphene-reinforced PLA (polylactic acid) SENB (single edge notched bending) specimens containing U-shaped notches. The ASED criterion is based on the quantification of the Strain Energy Density averaged over a control volume specifically defined at the notch tip. The approach is based on the idea that failure takes place when the mean value of the elastic strain energy (W) referred to a specific volume is equal to a critical value (Wc), which may be understood as a material property. The material analyzed in this work was 3D printed with three different raster orientations (0/90, 30/−60 and 45/−45) for which tensile tests on plain specimens and fracture toughness tests on cracked specimens had been previously performed. Then, notched specimens with notch radii of 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, were conducted to fracture, determining the corresponding experimental fracture loads. Finally, these experimental fracture loads were compared to the fracture load estimations derived from the application of the ASED criterion. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the ASED criterion for estimating fracture loads in this particular 3D printed material.
