Generalized formulation for strip yielding model with variable cohesion and its analytical solutions

A generalized plastic zone theory based on the Paris' displacement formula is presented to study inelastic fracture properties. This theory is capable of analyzing inelastic fracture characteristics of engineering materials i n general. The so-called size effect is predicted for softening materials. A brittleness index is also discussed based on this theory. It is illustrat ed that the brittleness index may be used to characterize the inelastic fra cture properties of the structures. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.