The experimental validation of fracture mechanics methods is underway, with collaboration between Oxford and Stellenbosch Universities and using state-of-the-art X-ray tomography equipment at Manchester Uni to perform in-situ tests on ‘ideal’ cracks. In our study, ‘ideal’ refers to EDM (Electrical Discharge Machined) notches. These are preferred due to the more controllable shape. A key simplification used to characterise cracks […]

Matthew Molteno (Stellenbosch), Dr Thorsten Becker (Stellenbosch), Prof. James Marrow (Oxford) Crack behaviour is greatly influenced by the geometry and stress state of the surrounding material. In multi-axial stress states or complex crack geometries, fracture resistance should be considered in three separate modes for crack path and failure prediction. In such cases, full-field experimental deformations can […]