Abstract
The paper shows how an understanding of the micro-mechanisms of fracture, quantified by deterministic models, can be used to provide a physical basis for probabilistic assessments, particularly when the results of a limited data set have to be extrapolated to low failure probabilities. The variability in results may reflect the effect of random experimental errors in measuring what is essentially a single-valued parameter; it may reflect spatial heterogeneity in the source material; or it may reflect both factors simultaneously. Results obtained for high-quality, pedigree steels and model micro-structures tend to typify homogeneous behaviour, with variability dominated by random experimental errors. More general sampling from structural steels can, however, introduce a further degree of variability, resulting from spatial heterogeneity. This affects the validity of extrapolation of fracture toughness values to low failure probabilities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 714-724 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 9-10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2006 |
Keywords
- probabilistic analysis
- master curve
- fracture toughness
- cleavage fracture
- local fracture stress