An upper bound limit load for overmatched scarf-joint specimens

A simple kinematically admissible velocity field involving single jump line s is proposed to find an upper bound limit load for overmatched scarf-joint specimens. It is shown that the solution based on the chosen velocity fiel d depends on two dimensionless parameters, while the number of essential di mensional parameters is four. This is a great advantage for engineering app lications. The results, for a particular case, are compared with a similar solution for centre-cracked tensile specimens and one which is obtainable f rom the new solution as a particular case.