Dynamic analysis of crack arrest properties in compact arrest tests

The transverse wedge-loaded compact crack arrest test is a widely used small scale test to evaluate the crack arrest toughness of nuclear pressure vessel steels. Crack arrest toughness is determined wholly on the basis of static analysis in this test method.The present study tried to clarify the dynamic features of this test. Crack extension and the opening displacement behavior were measured using a sensitive time scale. The crack attained a high velocity after initiation, then decelerated to a low velocity prior to arrest. The opening displacement remained constant during the crack propagation and began to increase several tens of microseconds after crack arrest.Numerical analysis of the dynamic stress intensity factor was also performed by a finite element code ADINA. Crack propagation was simulated by the elimination of truss elements which connected crack surfaces. Discussion is directed to the comparison between the conventional static approach and the present dynamic analysis.