MECHANICAL TESTING LABORATORY

Due to the very large number of tests offered, descriptions of those most commonly requested have been gathered into the following groups:

ASTM E561 – K-R Curve Determination Testing

ASTM E 561 covers the determination of resistance to fracturing of metallic materials by R-curves using either the center-cracked tension panel M(T), the compact specimen C(T), or the crack-line wedge-loaded specimen C(W), to deliver applied stress intensity factor, K, to the material. An R-curve is a continuous record of toughness development in terms of KR plotted against crack extension in the material as a crack is driven with a continuously increased stress intensity factor, K.

R-curves characterize the resistance to fracture of materials during incremental slow-stable crack extension and result from growth of the plastic zone as the crack extends from a sharp notch. They provide a record of the toughness development as a crack is driven stably under increasing applied K. They are dependent upon specimen thickness, temperature, and strain rate.

Please email info@trl.com or call (304) 547-5800 for information regarding test procedures, results, specimen information, pricing or any other ASTM E561 questions you may have.