Estimation of fracture toughness of steel using chevron notched round bar specimens

A generalized methodology has been outlined in this paper for estimating the minimum normalized stress intensity factor (Y*_min) of chevron notched round bar specimens, subjected to three‐point bend loading. Using such specimens, a series of fracture toughness tests have been carried out for the first time on two steels. The major inferences drawn from this investigation are: (i) reproducible fracture toughness values can be achieved using chevron notched rod specimens of identical configuration and (ii) the estimated magnitudes of fracture toughness obtained by using chevron notched rod specimens are in good agreement with those achieved by using chevron notched rectangular bar specimens of the same material.