Crack initiation determination for Charpy size specimens

An investigation in the field of the crack initiation determination for Charpy size specimens was carried out. An extensive literature survey of published methods for the crack initiation was performed. Methods based on the stretch zone width measurement, blunting line, multiple gauge measurement, electric potential drop, compliance changing rate, acoustic emission, ultrasonic method and magnetic emission are discussed in the theoretical part of the report. Analytical methods for the critical J-integral evaluation were also taken into account, as well as the expressions for the J-integral calculation. On the basis of the theoretical survey suitable measurement methods were chosen and applied in the experimental programme to several different materials. Namely blunting line related methods, multiple gauge methods, electric potential drop and compliance changing rate methods were used. The initiation J-integrals were evaluated with use of wide range of evaluation procedures and compared together in order to find a reliable method for the crack initiation determination. There was not found a universal method for the crack initiation determination. The performance of the methods was varying in dependence on the investigated material, so the results enable to choose perspective method for considered case.