A recent criterion based on the local strain energy density (SED) averaged over a given control volume is applied to well-documented experimental data taken from the literature, all related to steel welded joints of complex geometry. This small size volume embraces the weld root or the weld toe, both regions being modelled as sharp (zero notch radius) V-notches with different opening angles. The SED is evaluated from three-dimensional finite element models by using a circular sector with a radius equal to 0.28 mm. The data expressed in terms of the local energy fall in a scatter band recently reported in the literature, based on about 650 experimental data related to fillet welded joints made of structural steel with failures occurring at the weld toe or at the weld root.

Synchrotron light microtomography has proved to be particularly efficient in order to analyze the microstructural characteristics in terms of reinforce fibre distribution and orientation in glass fibre reinforced composites. The spatial distribution of fibre within the polymeric matrix could be detected even in case of fibre characterized by a small diameter (10 micrometers average diameter). Differences in orientation distribution within a sample could be measured using the Mean Intercept Length (MIL) and the fabric tensor. The results presented herein refer to a sample of a 30% by weight glass fibre reinforced polyamide 6, extracted form a thin plate.

According to the classical definition for in-plane modes of crack deformation, the constant stress term T exists only in the presence of mode I. However, recent studies show that this term can exist in mode II conditions as well, and significantly affect the elastic stress field around the crack tip. These effects can be visualized using the experimental method of photoelasticity. Based on the analytical studies, presence of the T-stress in mode II cracks transforms the isochromatic fringe patterns from symmetric closed loops to asymmetric and discontinuous shapes. In this paper, presence of the T-stress in mode II cracks and its effects on the fringe patterns is experimentally investigated. The test specimens are Brazilian disks containing very sharp central cracks: experimental results indicate that these specimens contain negative values of T-stress. Experimental values are then compared to numerical results. To better understand the differences between experimental and numerical values, a thee dimensional analysis is performed with the finite element method: results show the influence of the real geometry of the crack front on the stress intensity factors.