A personal computer based system to evaluate J-integral by a single specimen unloading compliance method. I: Methodology

The single specimen unloading compliance technique has become the preferred method for evaluating J-integral. It involves data acquisition and analysis using a computer. The development of a simple experimental system is discussed as is the related software that can be used in a laboratory equipped with a microcomputer and with access to a minicomputer. The effects of loading rate, test temperature, specimen geometry and material composition can be readily evaluated using this system. The results on a pressure vessel steel (A533B Cl.1) and an alpha -- beta Ti alloy (Corona 5) are discussed in Part II. 22 ref.--AA