BRITTLE-FRACTURE TESTS OF STEEL PLATES CONTAINING RESIDUAL COMPRESSIVE STRAIN

This investigation was undertaken in an attempt to determine some of the effects a residual compressive-strain field may have on a propagating brittle fracture. Brittle-fracture tests were conducted on 3/4-in. thick by 2-ft wide by 5-ft long steel plates in which there was a longitudinal residual compressive strain in the central portion of each plate, and a region of high longitudinal tensile strain at each edge. This strain field was developed by welding tapered slots cut perpendicular to the edges of the plates. The tests show clearly that the residual strain field affects the initiation and propagation of a brittle fracture. In all these tests the residual tensile strain at the edge of the plate was effective in reducing the applied stress at the notch required for fracture initiation. In one test in which the fracture propagated completely across the plate, the residual compressive strain field decreased the crack speed and the associated strain response. In two other tests, in which the residual compressive strains were much greater, the brittle fractures arrested in the compressive strain fields. The results suggest the possiblity of prestressing elements of ships or structures, or perhaps entire structures, as a means of arresting brittle fractures or providing a barrier for fracture initiation.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Urbana, IL  United States  61801

  Ship Structure Committee

  National Academy of Science, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20418
• Authors:
  • Rolfe, S T
  • Hall, W J
  • Newmark, N M
• Publication Date: 1959-7-2

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 7 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Fracture mechanics; Plate bearing test; Strain (Mechanics)
• Identifier Terms: Ship Structure Committee
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack propagation; Strain energy
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00331906
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Ship Structure Committee
• Report/Paper Numbers: SSC-117 Prog Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: NObs-65790, NObs-72046
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 21 1981 12:00AM