Structural parameters controlling the fracture toughness of structural materials

This article examines two basic concepts associated with brittle fracture: so- called sequential fracture and counter fracture. Quantitative estimates are made of the threshold and minimum fracture toughnesses of materials exhibiting these phenomena. Methods of quickly determining fracture toughness are explored and along with the physical significance of the two main structural parameters that indicate the fracture toughness of a material: the characteristic distance and the cleavage stress. Methods are presented for rapid a prioridetermination of the fracture toughness of materials from standard mechanical characteristics.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 1, pp. 18–30, January, 1994.This study was completed as part of a program of basic research financed by the State Committee of the Ukraine for Science and Technology.