A Critical Evaluation of Indentation Techniques for Measuring Fracture Toughness: II, Strength Method

Abstract

An examination is made of the sharp‐indentation technique of strength‐test precracking for toughness evaluation. The experimental approach follows that proposed by other workers but the theoretical analysis contains one vital new feature; the residual‐stress term discussed in Part I of this study is now introduced explicitly into the strength formulation. This modification overcomes a major systematic discrepancy evident in the previous models and at the same time, by virtue of attendant changes in the nature of the crack stability prior to attaining a failure configuration, eliminates the need for frac‐tographic measurements. Other advantages are also apparent, notably an insensitivity to postindentation radial crack extension. The main disadvantage is that only one result is obtained per specimen. Indentation/strength data from ceramics listed in Part I confirm the essential features of the theory and provide a suitable calibration factor. The method has special application to those materials which do not necessarily produce a well‐defined radial crack pattern, in which case an “effective” K c appropriate to fracture properties at the flaw level is obtained.