Fracture statistics of brittle materials with intergranular cracks
Abstract
A statistical theory for intergranular crack frequency as a function of crack size has been developed for polycrystalline materials. On the assumption that the cracks are penny-shaped and that brittle fracture is caused by overstressing the weakest link, the crack frequency was converted into a statistical theory of fracture. In general, the predicted behavior is in reasonable agreement with experimental observations, though whether agreement is significantly better than Weibull's theory will require detailed examination. Among the attractive features of the new theory are (1) a closer relationship to fracture mechanics and to material structure and properties compared with the Weibull theory, and (2) a capacity for refinement so as to model the actual material structure more closely, which should result in improved agreement with experiment. (Modified author abstract)
- Publication:
-
Aerospace Corp. Interim Report, El Segundo, CA. Lab. Operations.
- Pub Date:
- October 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974aero.reptQ....B
- Keywords:
-
- Brittle Materials;
- Crack Propagation;
- Fracture Mechanics;
- Statistical Analysis;
- Grain Boundaries;
- Mathematical Models;
- Prediction Analysis Techniques;
- Weibull Density Functions;
- Solid-State Physics