The present work summarizes some recent experimental, theoretical and numerical results on brittle fracture of isostatic polycrystalline graphite. The analyses have been carried out on V-notched samples under mixed mode (I+II), torsion and compression loading, considering various combinations of the notch tip radius, opening angle and notch tilt angle. The static strength of the considered specimens is assessed through an approach based on the strain energy density averaged over a control volume. The center of the control volume is located on the notch edge, where the principal stress reaches its maximum value. The correct orientation is obtained by a rigid rotation of the crescent-shaped volume while the size depends on the fracture toughness and the ultimate strength of the material. This methodology has been already used in the literature to analyze U- and V-shaped notches subject to mode I loading with very good results and advantages with respect to classic approaches. The results reported in this new work show, also under mixed mode loading conditions, good agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions.

In this paper, a volume criterion based on a simple scalar quantity, the mean value of the strain energy (SED), has been used to assess the static strength of notched components made of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The local-strain-energy based approach has been applied to a well-documented set of experimental data recently reported in the literature. Data refer to blunt U-notched cylindrical specimens of commercial PMMA subjected to static loads and characterised by a large variability of notch tip radius (from 0.67 mm to 2.20 mm). Critical loads obtained experimentally have been compared with the theoretical ones, estimated by keeping constant the mean value of the strain energy in a well-defined small size volume. In addition, some new tests dealing with V-notched specimens with end holes have been carried out to investigate the effect of the notch opening angle.

Research into the propagation of waves in elastic media is fundamental for understanding how elastic waves perturb particles around their equilibrium positions without causing permanent deformation. Despite its importance in geophysics, materials science, and structural analysis, a consolidated mapping of global research progress in this area remains limited. To address this gap, this study conducts a comprehensive scientometric analysis using the Scopus citation database to quantify and visualize research trends in elastic wave propagation from 2000 to 2024. The methodology was validated by employing robust scientometric tools such as VOS viewer and Biblioshiny to ensure accurate keyword co-occurrence, citation, and collaboration network analyses. Key findings reveal a steady increase in publications, with China, India, the United States, and Italy emerging as leading contributors. Dominant research themes and author networks highlight the dynamic evolution of the field. This study provides an updated roadmap for researchers to identify collaboration opportunities, align their work with emerging topics, and strategically enhance the visibility and impact of future research in wave propagation in elasticity.