Mechanics Fracture under stress (class) Flashcards
How can a material specimen be tested under a tensile load?
tensile load is applied to specimen using tensile testing equipment
the load is gradually increased until the specimen fractures
the length of the specimen is measured throughout so that strain can be calculated
the stress is calculated using the applied load and the cross-sectional area
this is plotted on a stress-strain curve
Explain the mechanism of ductile fracture
tensile load causes small holes to form at the centre of the bar, then these grow as the local stress increases, eventually the contact area is too small to support the applied load and fracture occurs
+ shearing deformation contributes
Describe the characteristic appearance of ductile fracture
necking
flat granulated central portion
small shear lip
–> which gives cup and cone surface
Describe the characteristic appearance of brittle fracture
flat surface, perpendicular to the applied load
granular appearance
chevron pattern
Define the terms
a) notch sensitivity
b) fracture propagation
a) concentrated stress at the tip of a crack or notch
b) when a fracture develops at a crack or notch and then spreads
What are the 3 factors that are important in determining whether a material will fail?
what else
- the magnitude of the applied load
- the rate of speed at which the load is applied
- the number of times that the load is applied
wear + corrosion
What is the term for stress when a material fractures?
rupture strength
give an example of
a) ductile fracture
b) brittle fracture
a) material, plastic shopping bag handles
b) snapping a frozen chip, glass, ceramics, concrete
What is a ductile fracture ?
a fracture that occurs after considerable plastic deformation characterised by necking
What is a brittle fracture ?
A fracture that occurs abruptly without any plastic deformation ie no necking
When does a normally ductile material respond like a brittle material?
if it has been exposed to fatigue loading
if it has a notch/crack
decreasing temperature and increasing strain
What is a stress riser?
a change in shape (eg notch or hole) that results in increased stress concentration
where are stress concentrations highest?
at the tips of cracks or notches
What is an impact load?
a sudden intense blow
Describe the charpay impact test
a heavy pendulum is released from a known height and as the pendulum reaches the bottom of its trajectory it strikes and breaks the test specimen until it reaches the peak of its swing
How do stress concentrations weaken structures?
any sudden change in shape increases stress concentration making fracture more likely
How does temperature affect the ability of a material to absorb energy? why?
increase temperature = increased energy absorbed
because material changes from brittle to ductile
What is a fatigue fracture?
fracture caused by repeated loading (load is smaller)
how can fracture propagation be stopped?
by including smooth holes in the structure
Describe the characteristic appearance of a fatigue fracture
2 regions
- one smooth with repeated conchoidal markings
- granular/fibrous region
What do conchoidal markings indicate?
the various positions at which the crack has stopped
What causes
a) a granular appearance
b) a fibrous appearance
in a fatigue fracture?
a) rapid brittle fracture that occurs once the remaining cross-section can no longer support the load
b) material undergoes ductile fracture
Why is the frequency of repetition of load application important in bone?
bone has ability to remodel to acquired load so if they are spaced out the vine will repair any damage
Why do bones get fatigue fractures?
frequency of repetition of load is too fast for remodelling eg continuous period of strenuous physical activity