ASTM E1304-97(2014)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of plane-strain (chevron-notch) fracture toughnesses, K_Iv or K_IvM, of metallic materials. Fracture toughness by this method is relative to a slowly advancing steady state crack initiated at a chevron-shaped notch, and propagating in a chevron-shaped ligament (Fig. 1). Some metallic materials, when tested by this method, exhibit a sporadic crack growth in which the crack front remains nearly stationary until a critical load is reached. The crack then becomes unstable and suddenly advances at high speed to the next arrest point. For these materials, this test method covers the determination of the plane-strain fracture toughness, K_Ivj or K_IvM, relative to the crack at the points of instability.