The Size-dependence of Plane Strain Fracture Toughness: A Mechanistic Analysis by Enforcing Constant Crack Tip Fracture Stress and Scaling Laws
Experimental measurements of plane strain fracture toughness, made using single-edge-notched-bend (SENB) specimens, show strong crack (or ligament) size and specimen size effects on toughness. The fracture toughness varies strongly with crack size even at relatively small crack sizes, where linear-elastic conditions...