Evaluation of Two Low-Constraint Toughness Test Methods in a Single Specimen

In previous studies, the single- and double-clip gauge methods were successfully consolidated in a single-edge notched tension (SE(T)) single specimen so that crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) values obtained from both SE(T) methods could be compared under identical test conditions. The current study investigated the effect of unloading compliance crack size equations on resistance curves obtained from both gauging methods combined in a single specimen. It was found that the unloading compliance crack size equations of Cravero and Ruggieri and the single clip gauge method predict crack sizes well within approximately 2% error in average. Two CTOD-resistance curves obtained from both gauging methods produce approximately the same results until peak loads, and thereafter the curves deviate. The results obtained from the double clip gauge method are consistently higher than those from the single clip gauge, although the difference between two resistance curves is reduced when the same unloading compliance crack size prediction procedure is used. This observation is very important within the framework of engineering critical assessment (ECA) and defect assessment procedures. An “apparent” higher resistance curve will generate larger tolerable defects thereby reducing the conservatism of an ECA analysis.