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 provide information that allows for the measurement of fracture resistance in different modes. The aim is to develop techniques that measure fracture resistance along three-dimensional curved crack fronts and multi-axial stress states. Watch this space!
Graphite Specimen (loaded in-situ) at Diamond Light Source synchrotron (UK), reconstructions before and after loading shown (right).