Crack initiation determination for Charpy size 3-point bend specimens by ICFPD method

The paper deals with the problematic of determination of the crack initiation for three point bend specimens during fracture toughness testing of materials in the upper transition and upper shelf region. In the presented study was developed Induced Current Focussed Potential Drop method for the fracture mechanics tests of Single Edge Notched Bend specimens of Charpy size. The performance of the newly developed technique is shown here. Obtained crack initiation integrals are compared with Stretch Zone Width based crack initiation integrals.