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Fracture mechanics of PGX graphite

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5483471
Fracture mechanics tests were performed on grade PGX graphite. A compact tension specimen configuration which yields consistent values of the opening mode critical stress intensity factor K/sub IC/, was designed. For the calculation of the fracture toughness and crack growth rate the concept of the effective crack length is used. It corresponds to the crack length of a machined notched specimen with the same compliance. Fracture toughness testing was performed in two environments, air and helium, both at room temperature. The critical stress intensity factor, K/sub IC/, is calculated based on the maximum load and the effective crack length. The fatigue crack growth test was performed in air only. A break-in period was observed for the machined notch to develop into a naturally occurring crack path. Half of the fatigue life was spent in this period.
Research Organization:
General Atomic Co., San Diego, CA (USA); Southern Research Inst., Birmingham, AL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AT03-76ET35300
OSTI ID:
5483471
Report Number(s):
GA-A-16310; CONF-8106201-1; ON: DE82007023
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English