A flaw distribution function for failure analysis of brittle materials

Abstract

The fit of fracture strengths of as-received, abraded, and HF-etched borosilicate glass specimens to the normal, Weibull, and type-I extreme value distribution is compared. The study shows that the fit of these distributions depend on spread and scatter of strength data. A modification to the Weibull-type distribution function has been suggested for analyzing the strength data. The function provides an upper and a lower strength limit and is characterized by two shape parameters. The function provides good fit to the data on all the three types of specimens mentioned above and is consistent with the boundary condition of the physical phenomenon it represents.