ASTM E399-17

1.1 This test method covers the determination of fracture toughness (K_Ic) of metallic materials under predominantly linear-elastic, plane-strain conditions using fatigue precracked specimens having a thickness of 1.6 mm (0.063 in.) or greater2 subjected to slowly, or in special (elective) cases rapidly, increasing crack-displacement force. Details of test apparatus, specimen configuration, and experimental procedure are given in the Annexes.

1.2 This test method is divided into two parts. The first part gives general recommendations and requirements for K_Ic testing. The second part consists of Annexes that give specific information on displacement gage and loading fixture design, special requirements for individual specimen configurations, and detailed procedures for fatigue precracking. Additional annexes are provided that give specific procedures for beryllium and rapid-force testing.

1.3 General information and requirements common to all specimen configurations:

	Section
Referenced Documents	2
Terminology	3
Stress-Intensity Factor	3.1.1
Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness	3.1.2
Crack Plane Orientation	3.1.4
Summary of Test Method	4
Significance and Use	5
Significance	5.1
Precautions	5.1.1 - 5.1.5
Practical Applications	5.2
Apparatus (see also 1.4)	6
Tension Machine	6.1
Fatigue Machine	6.2
Loading Fixtures	6.3
Displacement Gage, Measurement	6.4
Specimen Size, Configurations, and Preparation (see also 1.5)	7
Specimen Size Estimates	7.1
Standard and Alternative Specimen Configurations	7.2
Fatigue Crack Starter Notches	7.3.1
Fatigue Precracking (see also 1.6)	7.3.2
Crack Extension Beyond Starter Notch	7.3.2.2
General Procedure	8
Specimen Measurements
Thickness	8.2.1
Width	8.2.2
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