A Symmetric Three-Layer Plate with Two Coaxial Cracks under Pure Bending

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript deals with the sixth order bending problem of an infinite, three-layer plate having coaxial cracks with no crack closure. There seems to be a number of equations based on the previous formulations. It is suggested to define and explain individual variables and parameters used. Also, please check for consistency of the symbols, subscripts, and superscripts used. Layered structures have been investigated extensively in the past and authors must cite the papers which are from other authors. Results need direct comparison with the experiments or other models. It would be great to compare the results presented in figures 3 and 4 with a comparison with other researchers results, since validation and verification of such formulations is of prime importance.

Author Response

1. Individual variables and parameters used in the article are defined and explained.
2. Consistency of the symbol, subscripts and superscripts is checked.
3. We agree with that layered structures have been investigated extensively in the past. But most of such investigation are not devoted to layered plates with throughout cracks under bending. It is mentioned in the introduction. We cited the papers which are close to our research only.
4. We have not been able to find publicly available experimental studies on layered plates with system of through cracks under bending.

All changes are provided by red color in the revised version.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

There are some weaknesses through the manuscript which need improvement. Therefore, the submitted manuscript cannot be accepted for publication in this form, but it has a chance of acceptance after a major revision. My comments and suggestions are as follows:

1- Abstract gives information on the main feature of the performed study, but some details about the plate and bending conditions must be added.

2- Authors must clarify necessity of the performed research. Aims and objectives of the study, and also differences with the previous researches must be clearly mentioned in the last part of introduction.

3- The literature study must be enriched. In this respect, authors must read and refer to the following papers: (a) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106770 (b) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2019.01.041 The introduction part is short.

4- Authors must compare their results with experimental results.

5- The main reference of each formula must be cited. Moreover, each parameters in equations must be introduced. Please double check this issue.

6- It would be nice, if authors separate quasi-static and dynamic tests. Moreover, main reference of each equation must be cited.

7- Standard deviation is the presented curves must be discussed. In addition, error in calculation must be considered and discussed.

8- In its language layer, the manuscript should be considered for English language editing. There are sentences which have to be rewritten.

9- The conclusion must be more than just a summary of the manuscript. List of references must be updated based on the proposed papers. Please provide all changes by red color in the revised version.

 

 

Author Response

1. Details about the plate are present in the abstract: “an infinite, three-layer plate having two coaxial through cracks”. We supplement it with “symmetric”. The phrase “under pure bending” uniquely identifies the load condition. But we add that “bending moments are uniformly distributed at infinity”.
2. The aim is added to the introduction.
3. We agree with that layered structures have been investigated extensively in the past. But most of such investigation are not devoted to layered plates with throughout cracks under bending. It is mentioned in the introduction. We cited the papers which are close to our research only. According to your recommendation, two articles (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106770 and https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2019.01.041) have been added to the literature review with some notes, although they are only distantly related to our study. Namely: in both papers there are no cracks, and in the second the investigated form is not a plate.
4. We have not been able to find publicly available experimental studies on layered plates with system of through cracks under bending.
5. There is not dynamic test in our research – nothing to separate.
6. Discussion about error in calculation is added.

All changes are provided by red color in the revised version.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

NA

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper has been improved and corresponding modifications have been conducted. In my opinion, the current version can be considered for publication.