Fractal dimension and fracture toughness

Abstract

A fractal model for intergranular and transgranular fractured surfaces of cracked metals is suggested on the basis of the micromechanism of fracture. The fractal dimensions of the fractured surfaces are expressed in terms of grain sizes and the average distances between two large inclusions. It is shown that the fractal number of the fractured surfaces decreases with increasing fracture toughness, and it is qualitatively consistent with observations.