@article{article_1740689, title={Finite Element Analysis of Notch Impact Test in Structural Steel and Copper Alloys}, journal={Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi}, volume={7}, pages={331–348}, year={2025}, author={Erdem Korkmaz, Sümeyye and Gavgalı, Esma}, keywords={Copper alloy, Finite element method, Notch Impact Test, Structural Steel}, abstract={This study investigates the notch impact behavior of structural steel and copper alloys using advanced numerical simulation based on the finite element method (FEM). Charpy V-notch specimens conforming precisely to ASTM E23 standards (L=55 mm, W=10 mm, B=10 mm; notch depth=2 mm, root radius=0.25 mm) were accurately modeled in SolidWorks and subjected to explicit dynamic analyses within the ANSYS environment using a refined mesh comprising 19,088 elements and 22,484 nodes. Nonlinear material behavior was incorporated using bilinear isotropic hardening combined with strain-rate sensitivity modeled through the Cowper-Symonds relationship (C=40.4 s⁻¹ for steel and 1169 s⁻¹ for copper alloys). Realistic impact velocities of 5.42 m/s (300 J) and 3.83 m/s (150 J) were calculated based on energy conservation principles, and frictional contact interactions (μ=0.2) were rigorously defined. Results indicate pronounced stress concentrations localized around the notch region, where peak von Mises stresses were recorded as 6438.8 MPa in structural steel and 839.61 MPa in copper alloy, significantly surpassing their respective dynamic yield strengths (485 MPa for steel, 252 MPa for copper alloy). These stress levels corresponded to notably low dynamic safety factors of approximately 0.075 for structural steel and 0.300 for copper alloy, suggesting imminent fracture initiation under impact loading. Furthermore, structural steel specimens exhibited greater maximum plastic deformation (34 mm) compared to copper alloys (32 mm), highlighting steel’s superior impact toughness and energy absorption capabilities (287 J vs. 142 J). Validation against previously reported experimental data demonstrated excellent agreement, with discrepancies limited to 4.4% for structural steel and 5.2% for copper alloy. This comprehensive numerical investigation emphasizes the efficacy of finite element-based approaches for accurately capturing dynamic fracture mechanisms, transient stress waves, and deformation behaviors, providing crucial insights for optimizing material selection and enhancing structural safety against impact loading.}, number={2}, publisher={Necmettin Erbakan University}