An Introduction to the Development and Use of the Master Curve Method (ASTM Manual) (Astm Manual Series, Mnl 52)

This new ASTM manual introduces the concept of the Master Curve Method so it can be understood and used by engineers who have had limited exposure to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics and/or advanced statistical methods. It addresses the practical design-related problem of defining the ductile-to-brittle fracture transition temperature of structural steels directly in terms of fracture mechanics data. Topics cover: • Background and historical aspects • Data validity requirements imposed on test data, and the number of data required to constitute a statistically useable data set for determining a reference temperature, To • Test specimens that can be used to develop valid KJc • Fixturing and test equipment needs • Preparation of specimens (precracking and side-grooving) for testing • Test machines, their mode of operation, and recommended specimen loading rates • All of the information needed to calculate values of KJc • Scale parameter statistical equations for material testing • Second option for calculating the To temperature that is useable when KJc data have been generated at various test temperatures • How the variability of KJc values is handled using the three-parameter Weibull model • Information on concepts under study • Brief discussion of important considerations involved in directly applying Master Curve fracture toughness data to the fracture-safety analysis of actual structures