Fracture toughness is a measure of a material's resistance to fracture when a crack or flaw is present.
Fracture toughness is typically measured using a standardized test, such as the ASTM E1820 test method, which involves applying a controlled load to a notched specimen and measuring the amount of force required to propagate a crack.
Fracture toughness is an important property to consider when designing and using materials, as it provides information about the material's ability to resist cracking and breaking under stress. This can help prevent catastrophic failures and ensure the safety and reliability of structures and products.
Fracture toughness can be affected by various factors, including the type of material, its microstructure, the presence of defects or flaws, and the loading conditions. Temperature and environment can also play a role in determining fracture toughness.
Fracture toughness values are often included in materials data sheets and used as a criterion for selecting materials for specific applications. Higher fracture toughness values indicate a material's ability to resist cracking and can be preferred for high-stress applications, while lower values may be acceptable for less demanding applications.