SEDL / STP / STP1194-EB / STP24894S

Constant Extension Rate Testing and Predictions of In-Service Behavior: The Effect of Specimen Dimensions

Louthan, MR
Senior Advisory Engineer, Savannah River Technology Center, Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Aiken, SC

Porr, WC
Graduate Assistant, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1994

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Abstract

Constant extension rate test measurements of a material's susceptibility to environmental degradation may depend on the dimensions of the test specimen. Long, slender samples will appear to be more susceptible to degradation than will short, thick samples of the same material. This sample size effect is due to the importance of the tearing modulus on the onset of unstable fracture. Therefore, if constant extension rate tests are used to qualify materials for in-service applications, the effect of specimen size on test results should be evaluated.