On the use of short-rod/bar test specimens to determine the fracture toughness of metallic materials

The compliance calibration of a set of short-bar fracture toughness test specimens has been studied using analytical and experimental techniques. The stress intensity coefficients obtained from experimental compliance analyses were used for the assessment of fracture toughness, K sub ICSB , from short-bar fracture toughness tests. Very good correlation was observed between the K sub ICSB and K sub IC values of a series of high-Cr cast irons. K sub ICSB values also correlated well with K sub Q(J) values of a high strength cast Al alloy (A224). 9 ref.--AA