Constraint corrected fracture mechanics in structural integrity assessment

Anssi Laukkanen, Kim Wallin

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter or book articleProfessional

    Abstract

    Specimen size, crack depth and loading conditions may affect the materials fracture toughness. In order to safeguard against these geometry effects, fracture toughness testing standards prescribe the use of highly constrained deep cracked bend specimens having a sufficient size to guarantee conservative fracture toughness values. One of the more advanced testing standards, for brittle fracture, is the Master Curve standard ASTM E1921, which is based on technology developed at VTT Industrial Systems. When applied to a structure with low constraint geometry, the standard fracture toughness estimates may lead to strongly over-conservative estimate of structural performance. In some cases this may lead to unnecessary repairs or even to an early "retirement" of the structure. In the case of brittle fracture, essentially three different methods to quantify constraint have been proposed, J-small scale yielding correction (SSYC), Q-parameter and the Tstress.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSAFIR The Finnish Research Programme on Nuclear Power Plant Safety 2003 - 2006
    Subtitle of host publicationInterim Report
    EditorsHanna Puska, Eija Karita Puska
    Place of PublicationEspoo
    PublisherVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
    Pages68 - 75
    ISBN (Electronic)951-38-6516-9
    ISBN (Print)951-38-6515-0
    Publication statusPublished - 2004
    MoE publication typeD2 Article in professional manuals or guides or professional information systems or text book material

    Publication series

    SeriesVTT Tiedotteita - Meddelanden - Research Notes
    Number2272
    ISSN1235-0605

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