Double Torsion Technique as a Universal Fracture Toughness Test Method

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Abstract
A method of measuring the fracture toughness of materials is described that is both simple and universal. A specimen is failed in double torsion so that a crack is driven down the center of a rectangular specimen. The energetics of failure are such that the load causing the crack remains constant as the crack deepens and this load is directly related to the fracture toughness. This enables a simple specimen to be used and obviates the difficulties associated with crack depth or compliance measurements or both. Results are shown for aluminum alloys to supplement earlier work on glass and polymers.

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