SEDL / STP / STP945-EB / STP23254S

Precracking and Computerized Single-Specimen J^Ic Determination for Irradiated Three-Point Bend Specimens

Haggag, FM
Development staff member, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN

Richardson, AK
Engineer, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

An experimental procedure is described for precracking and computerized single-specimen J^Ic testing of irradiated three-point bend specimens. The specimens were automatically precracked in cantilever bending at constant deflection. The J^Ic values determined by the single-specimen unloading compliance technique were found to be in close agreement with multiple-specimen values. The J^Ic testing system comprised a three-point bend fixture and a furnace mounted on a screw-driven Instron testing machine, a Hewlett-Packard computer, and a data acquisition system. This procedure was found to be successful and cost effective in precracking and J^Ic testing of the irradiated specimens.