Designation: E561 − 15a

Standard Test Method for

KR Curve Determination1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E561; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
resistance to fracture of metallic materials under Mode I E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
loading at static rates using either of the following notched and E399 Test Method for Linear-Elastic Plane-Strain Fracture
precracked specimens: the middle-cracked tension M(T) speci- Toughness KIc of Metallic Materials
men or the compact tension C(T) specimen. A KR curve is a E1823 Terminology Relating to Fatigue and Fracture Testing
continuous record of toughness development (resistance to 2.2 Other Document:
crack extension) in terms of KR plotted against crack extension AISC Steel Construction Manual4
in the specimen as a crack is driven under an increasing stress
3. Terminology
intensity factor, K. (1)2
3.1 Definitions—Terminology E1823 is applicable to this
1.2 Materials that can be tested for KR curve development method.
are not limited by strength, thickness, or toughness, so long as
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
specimens are of sufficient size to remain predominantly elastic
3.2.1 apparent plane-stress fracture toughness, Kapp—The
to the effective crack extension value of interest.
value of K calculated using the initial crack size and the
1.3 Specimens of standard proportions are required, but size maximum force achieved during the test. Kapp is an engineer-
is variable, to be adjusted for yield strength and toughness of ing estimate of toughness that can be used to calculate residual
the materials. strength. Kapp depends on the material, specimen size, and
specimen thickness and as such is not a material property.
1.4 Only two of the many possible specimen types that
could be used to develop KR curves are covered in this method. 3.2.2 effective modulus, Eeff [FL-2]—an elastic modulus that
allows a theoretical (modulus normalized) compliance to
1.5 The test is applicable to conditions where a material match an experimentally measured compliance for an actual
exhibits slow, stable crack extension under increasing crack initial crack size ao.
driving force, which may exist in relatively tough materials 3.2.3 plane-stress fracture toughness, Kc—The value of KR
under plane stress crack tip conditions. at instability in a force-controlled test corresponding to the
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the maximum force point in the test. Kc depends on the material,
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information specimen size, and specimen thickness and as such is not a
only. material property.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—See the discussion of plane-strain frac-
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the ture toughness in Terminology E1823.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.1 During slow-stable fracturing, the developing crack
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. extension resistance KR is equal to the applied stress intensity
factor K. The crack is driven forward by continuously or
incrementally increasing force or displacement. Measurements
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E08 on Fatigue
and Fracture and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E08.07 on Fracture
3
Mechanics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E561 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0561-15A. the ASTM website.
2 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Available from American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), One E.
this standard. Wacker Dr., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601-1802, http://www.aisc.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E561 − 15a
are made periodically for determination of the effective crack
size and for calculation of K values, which are individual data
points that define the KR curve for the material under those test
conditions.
4.2 The crack starter is a low-stress-level fatigue crack.
4.3 The method covers two techniques for determination of
effective crack size: (1) direct measurement of the physical
crack size which is then adjusted for the developing plastic
zone size, and (2) compliance measurement techniques that
yield the effective crack size directly. Methods of measuring
crack extension and of making plastic-zone corrections to the
physical crack size are prescribed. Expressions for the calcu-
lation of crack-extension force KR are given. Criteria for
determining if the specimen conditions are predominantly
elastic are provided.

5. Significance and Use FIG. 1 Schematic Representation of KR curve and Applied K

5.1 The KR curve characterizes the resistance to fracture of Curves to Predict Instability; Kc, P3, ac, Corresponding to an
Initial Crack Size, ao
materials during slow, stable crack extension and results from
the growth of the plastic zone ahead of the crack as it extends
from a fatigue precrack or sharp notch. It provides a record of
the toughness development as a crack is driven stably under test condition, it may be possible to drive the crack until a
increasing applied stress intensity factor K. For a given maximum or plateau toughness level is reached (4, 5, 6). When
material, KR curves are dependent upon specimen thickness, a specimen with positive K-gradient characteristics (see Note
temperature, and strain rate. The amount of valid KR data 2) is used, the extent of the KR curve which can be developed
generated in the test depends on the specimen type, size, is terminated when the crack becomes unstable.
method of loading, and, to a lesser extent, testing machine
characteristics. NOTE 1—Fixed displacement in crack-line-loaded specimens results in
a decrease of K with crack extension.
5.2 For an untested geometry, the KR curve can be matched NOTE 2—With force control, K usually increases with crack extension,
with the crack driving (applied K) curves to estimate the degree and instability will occur at maximum force.
of stable crack extension and the conditions necessary to cause
unstable crack propagation (2). In making this estimate, KR 6. Apparatus
curves are regarded as being independent of initial crack size 6.1 Testing Machine—Machines used for KR curve testing
ao and the specimen configuration in which they are developed. shall conform to the requirements of Practices E4. The forces
For a given material, material thickness, and test temperature, used in determining KR values shall be within the verified force
KR curves appear to be a function of only the effective crack application range of the testing machine as defined in Practices
extension ∆ae (3). E4.
5.2.1 To predict crack behavior and instability in a 6.2 Grips and Fixtures for Middle-Cracked Tension (M(T))
component, a family of crack driving curves is generated by Specimens—In middle-cracked tension specimens, the grip
calculating K as a function of crack size for the component fixtures are designed to develop uniform stress distribution in
using a series of force, displacement, or combined loading the central region of the specimen. Single pin grips can be used
conditions. The KR curve may be superimposed on the family on specimens less than 305 mm (12 in.) wide if the specimen
of crack driving curves as shown in Fig. 1, with the origin of is long enough to ensure uniform stress distribution in the crack
the KR curve coinciding with the assumed initial crack size ao. plane (see 8.5.3.) For specimens wider than 305 mm (12 in.),
The intersection of the crack driving curves with the KR curve multiple-bolt grips such as those shown in Fig. 2 or wedge
shows the expected effective stable crack extension for each grips that apply a uniform displacement along the entire width
loading condition. The crack driving curve that develops of the specimen end shall be used if the stress intensity factor
tangency with the KR curve defines the critical loading condi- and compliance equations in Section 11 are to be used. Other
tion that will cause the onset of unstable fracture under the gripping arrangements can be used if the appropriate stress
loading conditions used to develop the crack driving curves. intensity factor and compliance relationships are verified and
5.2.2 Conversely, the KR curve can be shifted left or right in used. Grips should be carefully aligned to minimize the
Fig. 1 to bring it into tangency with a crack driving curve to introduction of bending strain into the specimen. Pin or gimbal
determine the initial crack size that would cause crack insta- connections can be located between the grips and testing
bility under that loading condition. machine to aid the symmetry of loading. If extra-heavy-gauge,
5.3 If the K-gradient (slope of the crack driving curve) of high-toughness materials are to be tested, the suitability of the
the specimen chosen to develop the KR curve has negative grip arrangement may be checked using the AISC Steel
characteristics (see Note 1), as in a displacement-controlled Construction Manual.

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 E561 − 15a

FIG. 2 Middle-Cracked Tension (M(T)) Panel Test Setup

6.3 Grips and Fixtures for Compact Tension (C(T)) are recommended (7). Friction between the specimen and the
Specimens—The grips and fixtures described in Test Method buckling constraints shall not interfere with the in-plane stress
E399 are recommended for KR curve testing where C(T)-type distribution in the specimen. Friction can be minimized by
specimens are loaded in tension. using a low-friction coating (such as thin TFE-fluorocarbon
6.4 Buckling Constraints—Buckling may develop in unsup- sheet) on the contact surfaces of the constraints and by using
ported specimens depending upon the specimen thickness, just enough clamping force to prevent buckling while allowing
material toughness, crack size, and specimen size (7). Buckling free movement of the guides along the length of the specimen.
seriously affects the validity of a K analysis and is particularly A suspension system to prevent the buckling constraint from
troublesome when using compliance techniques to determine sliding down the specimen is recommended. Several buckling
crack size (8). It is therefore required that buckling constraints constraint configurations for M(T) specimens are shown in (8)
be affixed to the M(T) and C(T) specimens in critical regions and (9).
when conditions for buckling are anticipated. A procedure for 6.4.2 For C(T) specimens, the portion of the specimen arms
the detection of buckling is described in 9.8.3. and back edge which are in compression may need to be
6.4.1 For an M(T) specimen in tension, the regions above restrained from buckling in thinner specimens of high tough-
and below the notch are in transverse compression which can ness alloys. It is convenient to use a base plate and cover plate
cause the specimen to buckle out of plane. The propensity for with ports cut at appropriate locations for attaching clip gages
buckling increases as W/B and 2a/W ratios increase and as the and for crack size observations. Friction between buckling
force increases. Unless it can be shown by measurement or restraints and specimen faces is detrimental and should be
analysis that buckling will not occur during a test, buckling minimized as much as possible.
constraints shall be attached to the central portion of the 6.4.3 Lubrication shall be provided between the face plates
specimen. The guides shall be so designed to prevent sheet and specimen. Care shall be taken to keep lubricants out of the
kinking about the crack plane and sheet wrinkling along the crack. Sheet TFE-fluorocarbon or heavy oils or both can be
specimen width. Buckling constraints should provide a high used. The initial clamping forces between opposing plates
stiffness constraint against out-of-plane sheet displacements should be high enough to prevent buckling but not high enough
while minimizing friction. Buckling constraints with additional to change the stress distribution in the region of the crack tip at
pressure adjustment capability near the center of the specimen any time during the test.

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 E561 − 15a
6.5 Displacement Gages—Displacement gages are used to
accurately measure the crack-mouth opening displacement
(CMOD) across the crack at a specified location and span. For
small C(T) specimens, the gage recommended in Test Method
E399 may have a sufficient linear working range to be used.
However, testing specimens with W greater than 127 mm (5
in.) may require gages with a larger working range, such as the
gage shown in Fig. 3.
6.5.1 A recommended gage for use in M(T) specimens is
shown in Fig. 4 (10). This gage is inserted into a machined hole
having a circular knife edge. The diameter di, is the gage span
2Y used in the calibration. Detail drawings of the gage are
given in Fig. 5. Radius of the attachment tip should be less than
the radius of the circular knife edge in the specimen.
6.5.2 The gage recommended in 6.5.1 is preferred because
of its excellent linearity characteristics and ease of attachment.
However, other types of gages used over different span lengths
are equally acceptable provided the precision and accuracy
requirements are retained. For example, the conventional clip
gage of Test Method E399 may be used with screw attached
knife edges spanning the crack at a chosen span 2Y. In M(T)
tests, the proper compliance calibration curve must be used
because compliance is a function of Y/W. When using the
compliance calibration curve given in Eq 5, the proper 2Y FIG. 4 Recommended Gage for Use in Drilled Hole M(T) Panels
value to use with screw-on knife edges is the average distance
between attachment points across the notch. This is the actual
deformation measurement point, not the gage length of the clip
for compliance measurements must be taken within the verified
gage itself.
range of the gage. The gages shall be verified periodically.
6.5.3 The use of point contacts eliminates error in the
readings from the hinge-type rotation of C(T) specimens. The 6.6 Optical Equipment—If the material being tested is
precision of all types of gages shall be verified in accordance sufficiently thin so that the crack-tip contour does not vary
with the procedure in Test Method E399. In addition, absolute significantly from surface to mid-thickness, crack extension
accuracy within 2 % of reading over the working range of the can be followed by surface observations using optical equip-
gage is required for use with compliance measurements. Data ment. If force is sustained at given increments so that the crack
stabilizes, physical crack size can be determined within 0.2 mm
(0.01 in.) using a 30 to 50-power traveling-stage microscope. A
digital image correlation system may also be useful for
determining in-plane strain distribution and out-of-plane dis-
placements (11).
6.7 Other Equipment—Other methods of measuring crack
size are available, such as eddy-current probes, which are most
useful with nonferrous material, or electrical-resistance
measurements, where the extension of the crack is determined
from electrical potential differences.
6.8 Data Recording Equipment—When running a continu-
ous monotonic test, a system capable of recording force and
displacement signals with high fidelity at data rates to capture
at least 200 force-CMOD data pairs during the test should be
used. Appropriate data filtering can be used provided it does
not introduce errors into the data.

7. Specimen Compliance Measurement Requirements

Dimensions
7.1 In the KR test, the effective crack size is determined
g d t h w either by direct measurement of the physical crack size and
mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) mm (in.) adjusting for the crack tip plastic zone, or by specimen
23.3 (0.918) 12.7 (0.500) 1.6 (0.062) 86.4 (3.400) 7.6 (0.300)
compliance techniques which can determine effective crack
FIG. 3 Enlarged Clip Gage for Compliance Measurements on size directly. This section provides background and require-
Large Specimens ments for the use of compliance techniques.

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 E561 − 15a

FIG. 6 Schematic Test Record and Secant Compliance Construc-

tions for M(T) or C(T) Specimens

7.4 Specimen compliance is measured by simultaneously

recording the force and CMOD during the test. The effective
crack size can be determined directly by calculating ∆v/∆P in
the single compliance method. Crack size is determined from
compliance measurements using the compliance equations or
tables for the specimen tested as described in Section 11.
7.5 The compliance technique uses elastic characteristics of
the specimen calibrated over a variety of crack sizes (12).
Compliance calibration curves have been developed for vari-
ous specimen geometries analytically using finite element
FIG. 5 Detail Drawings of Clip Gage for Use with the
methods or experimentally using specimens containing various
M(T) Specimen crack sizes. The change in CMOD (∆v) of specific measure-
ment points on the specimen is determined as a function of the
change in force (∆P). The slopes are normalized for material
thickness and elastic modulus and plotted against the ratio of
7.2 Specimen compliance is the ratio of the change in crack size to specimen width, providing a calibration curve of
specimen displacement to the change in force carried by the EB~ ∆v/∆P ! as a function of a/W for the C(T) specimens or 2a/W
specimen (∆v/∆P) during the test. The loading (secant) com- for the M(T) specimen. Analytical expressions for the normal-
pliance technique and the calibration information are used to ized compliance of the two specimen types covered in this
determine effective crack size ae directly (see Fig. 6). The method are given in Section 11 for specified displacement
crack size is automatically corrected for the plastic-zone and measurement points.
these values of ae can be used directly in the appropriate stress
intensity factor solutions to determine KR. Unloading compli- 8. Specimen Configuration, Dimensions, and Preparation
ance can also be used to determine physical crack size ap. In 8.1 Specimen Type—This method covers two specimen
this technique, the specimen compliance is measured during types: M(T) and C(T). The choice of specimen type depends on
periodic load reversals during the test. Specimen unloading the amount of material available, the type of test to be run, and
compliance values are substituted into the appropriate calibra- the type of equipment available. Ideally, the KR curve should
tion curve or compliance expression to determine physical not depend on the specimen type, although the amount of valid
crack size ap. In this case, effective crack size can be computed KR curve generated will depend on the specimen type and size.
by adding the plastic zone size at each measurement point. If the material is highly anisotropic, it may be preferable to use
7.3 The compliance technique uses specimen displacement the M(T) specimen because the high stress gradient of the C(T)
measured at a single location, for example the front face mouth specimen may be more prone to exhibit crack deviation. The
opening for C(T) specimens or spanning the notch at the following sections provide information about each specimen
specimen midplane for M(T) specimens. type.

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 E561 − 15a
NOTE 3—Difficulties in the interpretation of test records will be plus fatigue precrack) shall be within the range of 0.25 to
encountered if the specimens are not flat prior to testing or if the specimen 0.40W. The machined notch must lie within the envelope
contains substantial residual stress.
shown in Fig. 7. A fatigue precrack shall be initiated from each
8.2 Number of Tests—Replicate KR curves can be expected end of the starter notch using the procedure in 9.2. The fatigue
to vary as with other mechanical properties. Test-to-test vari- precrack shall extend from the starter notch by at least 1.3 mm
ability in KR curves also depends on the material being tested. (0.05 in.) and must extend beyond the envelope shown in Fig.
It is recommended that at least duplicate tests on multiple lots 7.
of material be performed when developing design data. For 8.5.5 In the M(T) specimen, crack size a in the equations of
quality assurance testing, a single test can be performed. Section 11 is the dimension from the specimen centerline to the
8.3 Specimen Size—In order for a given calculated KR value crack tip. This assumes that the crack is perfectly symmetrical
to be valid, the remaining uncracked ligament in the plane of with respect to the specimen centerline. In practice, this is
the crack must be predominantly elastic at the value of applied one-half of the average tip-to-tip crack length measurement.
force and physical crack size corresponding to that value of KR. 8.5.6 For specimen compliance determination, CMOD mea-
Methods for estimating specimen size to ensure predominantly surements are made between points spanning the machined
elastic conditions over a wide range of ∆ae values are provided notch at the mid-width of the specimen. This can be done by
for each specimen type below. Methods for determining invalid attaching knife edges to the specimen with screws or cement to
data points are provided in subsequent sections of the method. accept a commercial clip gage or the one shown in Fig. 3. The
specimen can also be machined with integral knife edges using
8.4 Starting Notch and Precrack—The machined starter
beveled holes as shown in Fig. 4. The CMOD gage shown in
notch for either of the recommended specimens may be made
Fig. 5 fits into these knife edges.
by electrical-discharge machining, end milling, or saw cutting.
8.5.7 To ensure predominantly elastic conditions in the
It is advisable to have a root radius at the ends of the notch of
M(T) specimen, the net section stress based on the physical
0.08 mm (0.003 in.) or less to facilitate fatigue precracking.
crack size must be less than the yield strength of the material
Fatigue precracking is highly recommended and may be
at the test temperature. The M(T) specimen width W and initial
omitted only if it has been demonstrated for the material and
crack size ao should be selected to provide valid KR data up to
thickness of interest that the machined notch root radius
effective crack extension values of interest. In general, a wider
effectively simulates the sharpness of a fatigue precrack. The
specimen will provide valid data up to a larger value of
starter notch should be extended by fatigue precrack not less
effective crack extension than a narrow specimen.
than 1.3 mm (0.05 in.) in length. The procedure for precracking
8.5.8 The required width to maintain predominantly elastic
is given in Testing Procedures, Section 9.
conditions for a given value of KR may be estimated from the
8.5 Middle-Cracked Tension (M(T)) Specimen: maximum expected plastic-zone size, rY (see Section 10),
8.5.1 The middle-cracked tension (M(T)) specimen is a which is directly proportional to the square of the material
rectangular specimen containing a centrally-located starter toughness-to-yield strength ratio. As a guide, a specimen 27rY
notch that is pulled in tension in the length direction of the wide and with an initial crack size 2ao of 0.33W is expected to
specimen. fail at a net section stress equal to the yield strength (13). It
8.5.2 The ends of the specimen may contain a single therefore is desirable to have an estimate of the maximum
pin-loading hole or may be configured for gripping with value of KR expected in the test before designing the specimen.
multiple-bolt grips or wedge grips along the two ends of the As an aid, the following table lists minimum recommended
specimen as shown in Fig. 2. M(T) sizes for assumed ratios of KRmax to yield strength.
8.5.3 To ensure uniform stress entering the crack plane
when single-pin grips are used, the distance between the
loading pins shall be at least three specimen widths, 3W. For
specimens wider than 305 mm (12 in.), multiple-bolt grips such
as those shown in Fig. 2, or wedge grips that apply a uniform
displacement along the entire width of the specimen end, shall
be used. In this case, the minimum required distance between
the innermost gripping points is relaxed to 1.5W.
8.5.4 A starter notch is machined perpendicular to the
tension direction, centered at mid-width and located midway
along the length of the specimen. The machined notch shall be
centered with respect to the specimen width within 0.002W and
its length shall be such that after precracking the required FIG. 7 Enlarged View of the Right Half of the Permitted Notch
minimum amount, the initial crack size, 2ao (machined notch Envelope in M(T) Panels

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 E561 − 15a

Table of Minimum M(T) Specimen Geometry for Given Conditions

KRmax/σYS Width 2ao LengthA
=m =in. m in. m in. m in.
0.08 0.5 0.076 3.0 0.025 1.0 0.229 9
0.16 1.0 0.152 6.0 0.051 2.0 0.457 18
0.24 1.5 0.305 12.0 0.102 4.0 0.914 36
0.32 2.0 0.508 20.0 0.170 6.7 0.762 30
0.48 3.0 1.219 48.0 0.406 16.0 1.829 72

A
Distance between pin centers of single pin loaded M(T) specimens is nominally
3W. Specimens wider than 305 mm (12 in.) will require multiple pin grips or
full-width gripping and the length requirement for the distance between nearest
gripping points is relaxed to 1.5W.

8.6 Compact Tension (C(T)) Specimen:

8.6.1 The recommended C(T) specimen is shown in Fig. 8.
The specimen is loaded in tension with clevis grips using pins
inserted through the loading holes. The loading hole size is
proportional to the specimen width.
8.6.2 Fig. 9 shows the allowable notch types and envelope
sizes for this specimen. The notch is machined perpendicular to
the loading axis and is centered with respect to the top and
bottom edges of the specimen. A fatigue precrack shall be
initiated from the notch tip using the procedure in 9.2. The NOTE 1—N need not be less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) but must not exceed
fatigue precrack shall extend from the starter notch by at least W/16.
NOTE 2—The intersection of the crack-starter tips with the two
1.3 mm (0.05 in.) and must extend beyond the envelope shown specimen faces shall be equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the
in Fig. 9. specimen within 0.005W.
8.6.3 The initial crack size ao (that is, machined notch plus FIG. 9 Envelope for Crack-Starter Notches and Examples of
fatigue precrack) in the C(T) specimens shall be between 0.35 Notches Extended with Fatigue Cracks
and 0.55W.
8.6.4 For specimen compliance determination, CMOD mea-
surements are made across the notch at either location V0 or V1 extrapolated to 0.1576W in order to use the expressions given
in Fig. 8 (0.25W 6 0.0006W or 0.1576W 6 0.0006W in in Section 11 for compliance measurement.
advance of the loading hole centerline). Span of the gage is not 8.6.5 To ensure that a given calculated value of KR is
critical so long as it is less than W/4. Alternative location of the considered valid for the C(T) specimen, the remaining un-
gage is permitted but displacement values must be linearly cracked ligament must remain predominantly elastic. This

Specimen Width D d Specimen Width D

W (mm) (mm) (mm) W (in.) (in.)
75 < W # 125 25 10 3<W#5 1.0
125 < W # 250 40 20 5 < W # 10 1.5
250 < W 65 20 10 < W 2.5

NOTE 1—Specimen thickness B shall not vary by more than 0.127 mm (0.005 in.) or 0.01W, whichever is greater.
FIG. 8 Compact Tension (C(T)) Specimen

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 E561 − 15a
condition is considered to be met in this method as long as the test. Because the maximum force required for precracking is substantially
length of the remaining uncracked ligament, W-ap, at that point less than that required for the KR test, a smaller test machine capable of
higher precracking frequency can be used.
in the test is greater than or equal to eight plastic zone sizes.
This is met with the condition given in Eq 1. 9.3 Specimen Installation—Prior to gripping the specimen
for running the KR test, zero the load cell. Carefully align the
S D
4 K
~ W 2 a p! $ π σ R
YS
2
(1) precracked specimen in the testing machine to eliminate
eccentricity of loading. Misalignment can result in uncon-
8.6.5.1 In this expression, W is the specimen width as shown trolled or spurious stress distribution in the specimen which
in Fig. 8, ap is the physical crack size corresponding to the KR could be troublesome, particularly if compliance measure-
point being considered, and σYS is the 0.2 % offset yield ments are used to determine crack extension. Fixtures for
strength of the material. By substituting the maximum ex- measuring crack extension may be affixed to the specimen after
pected or desired KR for a test, an estimate of the required applying a small preload. Buckling constraints shall also be
specimen size can be made. As an aid, the following table installed if necessary.
shows maximum final crack size to width ratios for several
9.4 Testing Machine Setup—The testing machine should be
normalized KRmax values:
operated in displacement control to generate KR curve data
Table of Minimum C(T) Specimen Width W for Given Conditions, m (in.) points beyond maximum force. If using a servo-controlled
KRmax/σYS Maximum ap/W
=m =in. 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 machine in force control, specimen fracture will occur at
0.10 0.6 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.06 maximum force and the machine will not be in control after
(0.8) (1.0) (1.3) (1.7) (2.5)
0.20 1.3 0.08 0.10 0.13 0.17 0.25
that point.
(3.3) (4.0) (5.0) (6.7) (10.0) 9.4.1 If used, attach displacement transducers, apply
0.30 1.9 0.19 0.23 0.29 0.38 0.57 excitation, and warm up instrumentation. Initialize and zero
(7.5) (9.0) (11.3) (15.0) (22.6)
0.40 2.5 0.34 0.40 0.51 0.67 1.01
instrumentation and start any data acquisition systems prior to
(13.3) (15.9) (19.9) (26.5) (39.8) starting the test.
0.50 3.1 0.53 0.64 0.80 1.06 1.59
(20.9) (25.1) (31.3) (41.8) (62.7) 9.5 Testing Speed—To maintain a static deformation rate,
the testing machine should be set up to apply a displacement
9. Testing Procedures rate during the initial linear portion of the force-CMOD curve
9.1 Specimen Measurements—Measure specimen thickness that will result in a rate of change of K between 0.55 and 2.75
B to 60.5 % of B at two locations in the plane of the notch MPa·√m/s (0.50 to 2.5 ksi·√in./s), and this deformation rate
between the notch tip and the specimen edge. Measure speci- should be used throughout the test.
men width, W, to 60.5 % of W. NOTE 6—For an M(T) specimen with W = 400 mm (15.75 in.), 2ao/W
from 0.25 to 0.33, and a length between grips of 815 mm (32 in.), a
9.2 Specimen Precracking—All specimens shall be pre- deformation rate of between 0.025 and 0.050 mm/s (0.001 and 0.002 in./s)
cracked in the final heat-treated condition. The length of the has been used to achieve the desired static deformation rates.
fatigue crack extension shall not be less than 1.3 mm (0.05 in.). 9.6 Crack Size Measurements—Depending on the crack
The precrack must also extend beyond the applicable envelope measurement technique chosen, perform the steps in either 9.7
boundary shown in Fig. 7 or Fig. 9 depending on the specimen or 9.8. Complete the test procedure by performing the proce-
being tested. dure in 9.9 and subsequent sections.
9.2.1 Precracking may include two or more stages: crack
initiation, intermediate propagation, and finishing. To avoid 9.7 Procedure for Tests Using Direct Measurement of Physi-
temporary growth retardation from a single step of load cal Crack Size:
shedding, one or more intermediate levels may be added. The 9.7.1 Apply an increment of displacement to the specimen
reduction in maximum force from the final intermediate stage at a rate that meets the requirements of 9.5, allowing time for
to the finishing stage shall not be more than 30 %. the crack to stabilize. Cracks stabilize in most materials within
9.2.2 As a guide, crack initiation can be started in most a short time of stopping the deformation. However, when
commercial materials at Kmax/E = 0.00013 m1/2 (0.00083 stopping near an instability condition, the crack may take
in.1/2). Many commercial materials can be finished at Kmax/E = several minutes to stabilize, depending upon the stiffness of the
0.0001 m1/2 (0.0006 in.1/2). Most aluminum alloys can be loading frame and other factors.
precracked at ∆K = 10 to 12 MPa·√m (9 to 11 ksi·√in.). Stress NOTE 7—Static KR cannot be determined when the crack is steadily
ratio selection is optional, but R = 0.1 is recommended. creeping or accelerating at or near instability.
NOTE 4—Elastic (Young’s) modulus, E, in units of MPa will yield Kmax 9.7.2 After the crack stabilizes, measure and record the
in units of MPa·√m. Elastic (Young’s) modulus, E, in units of ksi will physical crack size. For the M(T) or C(T) specimen, record the
yield Kmax in units of ksi·√in.
force.
9.2.3 The finishing stage shall extend the precrack by at 9.7.2.1 Measure the physical crack size accurately to 0.2
least 0.65 mm (0.025 in.), and shall be performed at fixed mm (0.01 in.) at each step using suitable measuring devices
cyclic load. The finishing stage should be completed in no less described in Section 6.
than 5 × 103 cycles. 9.7.2.2 Physical crack size can also be measured with
NOTE 5—It may be advantageous, and is allowed in this method, to compliance techniques by partial unloading of the specimen
precrack the specimen in a different machine than that used to run the KR after each increment, a technique described in the Section 10.

8
 E561 − 15a
9.7.3 Continue to apply increments of displacement, allow-
ing the crack to stabilize, and record physical crack size and
force or displacement, or both, until the specimen fractures or
until no useful data can be collected.
9.7.3.1 Number of Data Points—While KR curves can be
developed with as few as four or five data points, ten to fifteen
give improved confidence, and tougher materials usually re-
quire more data points.
9.7.3.2 If it is desired to check for specimen buckling or
friction when using compliance techniques, slowly reduce the
specimen deformation to unload the specimen while recording
force and displacement. See discussion in 9.8.3.
9.7.4 At the conclusion of the test, carefully unload the
specimen and remove buckling constraints and measuring
instruments.
9.8 Procedure for Tests Using Compliance Measurement of
Effective Crack Size:
9.8.1 The test can be run by incremental deformation, but it
is permitted to apply a continuous monotonic deformation if
the force and displacement measurements can be recorded
accurately and simultaneously.
9.8.2 Begin recording data, if necessary, and apply defor-
mation to the specimen at a constant rate that meets the
requirements of 9.5. If incremental loading is used, periodi-
cally hold the deformation and record the force and displace- DISPLACEMENT, v
ment values after the crack has stabilized as described in 9.7.1.
Otherwise, monitor and record the force versus CMOD while FIG. 10 Detection of Buckling from Compliance Test Records of
M(T) and C(T) Specimens
continuously applying deformation.
9.8.3 It may be possible to detect whether buckling or
friction are affecting the test by performing a periodic partial immediately upon unloading, factors such as buckling or
unload of the specimen by reversing the deformation direction friction are influencing the test record and results should be
as shown schematically in Fig. 10, unloading to about 80 % of considered suspect.
the test force at the time of the unload. The initial part of the 9.8.5 At the conclusion of the test, carefully unload the
force-CMOD record should have a linear portion which can be specimen and remove buckling constraints and measuring
substantially retraced upon partial unloading. Should buckling instruments.
or friction problems develop during the test, the unloading and 9.9 Initial Crack Size Measurement, ao—After specimen
reloading slopes will tend to diverge. If the slopes differ by fracture, inspect the precrack area of the fracture surfaces and
more than 2 %, or if one or both have no linear range, or if the determine if excessive crack tunneling occurred. Determine the
unload-reload trace forms a loop, then buckling or friction may initial crack size ao at the precrack mark as the average of three
be affecting the test results sufficiently to cause significant error interior crack size measurements taken at the specimen mid-
in compliance-measured crack sizes and calculated K value. plane and two quarter planes. Alternatively, the initial crack
Added confidence can be obtained by comparing the crack size ao at the precrack mark can be taken as the average surface
sizes predicted from unloading slopes to physical crack size crack size measurements if that value results in no more than
measured with other more direct methods. a 1 % error in any of the final results. Make crack size
measurements to the nearest 0.2 mm (0.01 in.). Refer to the
NOTE 8—Buckling can also be detected in an M(T) specimen by
watching for a difference in the CMOD measured on both faces of the appropriate specimen drawing to determine the reference plane
specimen (indicating symmetric buckling) and by watching for clip gage from which the crack size is determined. If excessive tunneling
rotation (indicating anti-symmetric buckling). occurred, correct any surface crack measurements made during
9.8.4 If desired, physical crack size can be determined by the test by that amount, so that the observations represent the
partial unloading of the specimen at selected times during the average of the interior crack sizes.
test. The unloading slope in the force-CMOD trace at any given 9.10 Crack Deviation Measurements—When testing mate-
point represents the unloading compliance of the specimen rials with strong toughness anisotropy, the stable crack exten-
corresponding to the physical crack size. If the unloading sion may deviate from the intended crack direction (14). This
compliance is determined, the force reversal shall be only usually occurs when the test is run in the higher-toughness
enough to establish the return slope accurately. Unloading to orientation. Accuracy of the specimen K solution and the
about 80 % of the test force at the time of the unload has been elastic compliance relationships decrease with the amount of
used successfully. Should the test record not return linearly crack deviation from the intended crack direction. Therefore,

9
 E561 − 15a
note any data points where the physical crack tip at the compliance method used. Complete the test analysis by using
specimen midplane extends outside a 6 10° deviation enve- the procedures in 10.4 and subsequent sections. Equations and
lope originating at machined notch tip. tables for calculating the stress intensity factor, compliance,
force limits, and validity criteria for the three specimen types
10. Calculation and Interpretation are described in Section 11.
10.1 Construction of the KR curve—The KR curve deter- 10.2 Data Reduction Procedures for Tests Using Direct
mined in accordance with this method is a plot of crack Visual Measurement of Physical Crack Size:
extension resistance KR as a function of effective crack 10.2.1 For tests where the physical crack size ap is measured
extension ∆ae. Because the crack extension can be measured in visually, the effective crack size ae is determined by adding the
several ways, the following sections describe several proce- plastic zone size ry to the physical crack size.
dures for determining data pairs of KR and ∆ae from the test 10.2.2 For each observation point where physical crack size
record depending on the type of test run. The physical crack ap and force were recorded, determine the plastic zone size by
size and plastic zone size also need to be determined for the net calculating K(ap), the stress intensity factor using the physical
section stress validity criteria. A sample tabulation of analysis crack size ap in Eq 4 for the M(T) specimen or Eq 10 for the
data is shown in Table 1. C(T) specimen. Substitute K(ap) for K in Eq 2 along with the
10.1.1 There are three methods for determination of effec- yield strength σYS to determine the plastic zone size ry.
tive crack size, each requiring a slightly different calculation
approach: (1) Measurement of physical crack size by direct
observation and then calculating the effective crack size ae by
rY 5
1
S D
K 2
2π σ YS
(2)
NOTE 9—The expression for ry is most accurate for high-strength
adding the plastic zone size, (2) Measurement of physical crack materials of yield strength-to-density ratios above 174 kPa/(kg·m-3)
size by unloading compliance and calculating ae by adding the (700 000 psi/(lbm·in.-3)). Lower-strength, high-toughness materials re-
plastic zone size, and (3) Measurement of the effective crack quire increasing reliance on unloading compliance methods to correct for
size directly by secant compliance, then calculating the physi- plastic-zone effects. Compliance methods are discussed in 10.3.
cal crack size needed for determining validity. 10.2.3 Add the value of ry calculated at each observation
10.1.2 Depending on the measurement technique chosen, point to the physical crack size ap to determine the effective
perform the steps in either 10.2 for tests using direct measure- crack size ae.
ment of physical crack size or 10.3 for tests using compliance 10.2.4 Calculate KR, the stress intensity factor based on the
methods. Use the appropriate sections of 10.3 for the particular effective crack size, using the appropriate equation for the

TABLE 1 Sample Data Analysis Set

Material and Specimen Information Linear Slope Analysis
Specmen ID 999-888-L-T-1 ry1 (mm) 0.01
Test date 2004-08-04 ry2 (mm) 1.25
Alloy XXXX PLIM1 (kN) 19.5213
Temper YYYY PLIM2 (kN) 218.255
Data points 1162 Init. Slope (kN/mm) 612.092
σYS (MPa) 325 Y-int (kN) 5.88368
E (MPa) 71018.5 X-int (mm) –0.0096
W (mm) 761.5 r2 0.99996
B (mm) 6.72 # pts in fit 261
ao (mm) 125.8 Eeff (MPa) 65557.7
yo (mm) 14.1 E/Eeff 1.08
Secant
Force CMOD ∆aeff KR Krate Kapp rY σnet
Obs Slope Rv = σnet /σYS Rv # 1?
(kN) (mm) (mm) (MPa·=m) (MPa·=m/s) (MPa·=m) (mm) (MPa)
(kN/mm)
296 609.2 218.7 0.359 0.00 28.8 0.4 28.8 1.24 63.55 0.20 Y
335 606.4 254.0 0.419 1.03 33.7 0.4 33.5 1.68 73.95 0.23 Y
407 599.4 324.0 0.541 2.35 43.2 0.4 42.7 2.74 94.44 0.29 Y
471 590.2 392.5 0.665 4.10 52.9 0.4 51.8 4.05 114.62 0.35 Y
530 581.2 459.3 0.790 5.87 62.4 0.4 60.6 5.56 134.26 0.41 Y
585 571.4 524.7 0.918 7.84 72.0 0.4 69.2 7.27 153.52 0.47 Y
636 560.6 588.0 1.049 10.06 81.6 0.4 77.5 9.16 172.26 0.53 Y
686 547.5 650.0 1.187 12.85 91.5 0.4 85.7 11.27 190.95 0.59 Y
900 532.6 708.2 1.330 16.17 101.3 0.4 93.4 13.52 208.91 0.64 Y
935 513.3 759.1 1.479 20.67 110.9 0.5 100.1 15.88 225.83 0.70 Y
967 495.0 807.1 1.631 25.20 120.6 0.5 106.4 18.33 242.15 0.75 Y
997 474.5 851.6 1.795 30.56 130.5 0.5 112.3 20.97 258.32 0.80 Y
1024 453.3 890.1 1.964 36.49 140.3 0.6 117.4 23.66 273.62 0.84 Y
1049 431.3 923.8 2.142 43.08 150.2 0.6 121.8 26.45 288.49 0.89 Y
1072 409.5 952.6 2.326 50.06 160.0 0.6 125.6 29.29 302.76 0.93 Y
1093 384.1 974.2 2.536 58.86 170.5 0.8 128.5 32.37 317.39 0.98 Y
1111 358.1 987.5 2.757 68.67 181.0 0.9 130.2 35.45 331.49 1.02 N
1125 335.2 993.5 2.964 78.11 190.4 1.0 131.0 38.21 343.84 1.06 N
1137 307.5 986.7 3.209 90.52 200.7 1.2 130.1 41.18 357.18 1.10 N
1147 278.1 966.2 3.474 105.11 211.3 1.8 127.4 44.05 370.88 1.14 N
1152 259.0 945.2 3.650 115.44 218.0 1.6 124.6 45.73 379.79 1.17 N

10
 E561 − 15a
specimen being tested (Eq 4 or Eq 10). Use values of effective 10.3.4.2 Determine the initial elastic slope (∆v/∆P)o of the
crack size ae and the force applied to the specimen at that force-CMOD curve by fitting a line to the force-CMOD data
observation point to calculate KR. Complete the analysis by between the lower and upper force limits. Determine the
following the steps starting at 10.4. CMOD origin vo, which is the intersection of the initial elastic
10.3 Data Reduction Procedures for Tests Using Compli- slope and the CMOD axis. This can be done using linear
ance Methods: regression of the digital force-CMOD data or manually from an
X-Y chart of force-CMOD.
10.3.1 Compliance methods use values of ∆v/∆P to deter-
mine crack size using the appropriate compliance expression. 10.3.4.3 Determine the effective modulus Eeff from the
The effective modulus Eeff is first determined from the initial initial crack size ao, the initial elastic slope (∆v/∆P)o, and the
linear slope of the force-CMOD curve to initialize the calibra- appropriate compliance calibration curve or equation. For the
tion curve or compliance expression and to check the experi- M(T) specimen, Eeff can be calculated from Eq 5. For the C(T)
mental setup. specimen, Eeff can be calculated using the compliance expres-
sions given in Section 11. The effective modulus is the value of
10.3.2 Check for data integrity by inspecting the force-
Eeff that brings the calibration curve into agreement with the
CMOD curve and, if desired, by plotting force and CMOD as
initial crack size ao to within 0.001W.
functions of time. A sudden drop in force accompanied by a
drop in CMOD usually indicates grip slippage. A small amount 10.3.4.4 Check that Eeff is within 10 % of the material
of slippage will not be detrimental to the test, but large drops modulus. This provides a check of the experimental setup and
in force, especially near maximum force, would put the test initializes the compliance calibration curve. If Eeff is not within
results in doubt. A drop in force accompanied by an increase in 10 % of the material modulus, check the specimen dimensions
CMOD indicates pop-in crack extension, or short bursts of and conversion factors for force and CMOD. Also, if an
unstable crack extension. Large amounts of pop-in crack algorithm is used to search for the best linear region, make sure
extension may contribute to variability in KR curve results or that the region selected is reasonably low on the force-CMOD
invalidate the interpretation of data. curve. If sufficient digital data is collected during the test,
overlapping subsets of the force-CMOD curve can be fit by
10.3.3 The test record of force versus CMOD for the
linear regression and plotted as a function of force or CMOD
compliance method will have an initial linear region that
to see if the region selected is appropriate.
corresponds to the specimen compliance associated with the
initial crack size ao. Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the 10.3.5 Effective Crack Size Determination from Secant
test record. Compliance construction lines for determining Compliance (see Fig. 6)—Use the steps in this section if the
∆v/∆P at several points on the force versus CMOD curve are
effective crack size is to be determined from secant compliance
also shown. data.
10.3.5.1 Secant Compliance Curve Analysis—For the secant
10.3.4 Compliance Initialization—For tests using the com- compliance method, select a series of at least 20 analysis points
pliance method, determine the effective modulus Eeff using the along the force-CMOD curve beyond the initial linear region.
following steps. For each analysis point (vi, Pi), calculate the secant slope from
10.3.4.1 Determine lower and upper force limits to select the CMOD origin vo to each selected point using Eq 3.
the initial linear slope of the force-CMOD curve. This initial
linear slope can be determined from digital data by first
establishing lower and upper limits of force for the linear
S D
∆v
∆P i
5
~ v i 2 v o!
Pi
(3)

regression. These limits can be based on visual estimates from Use the secant slope, specimen geometry, and effective
an X-Y chart, on statistical determination of the “best” linear modulus Eeff to calculate an effective crack size ae at each
region, or on theoretical plastic zone sizes (see Notes 10 and selected analysis point using the compliance expressions for
11). With digital data, a linear regression of at least 20 data the M(T) or C(T) specimen (see Note 12) in Section 11.
pairs between those limits is recommended.
NOTE 12—Eq 5 is the preferred equation but must be solved for crack
NOTE 10—For relatively high-toughness specimens, the shape of the size by iteration. Eq 6 and 7 can be used to estimate the normalized crack
initial portion of the KR curve is sensitive to the portion of the size to begin the iteration.
force-CMOD curve selected as the initial linear region. This is because
there is slight curvature at the beginning of the force-CMOD curve due to
10.3.5.2 Calculate KR, the stress intensity factor based on
the growth of the plastic zone as K increases. The Kc value can also be the effective crack size using the appropriate equation for the
affected by the region selected. To establish a consistent basis that is specimen being tested (Eq 4 or Eq 10). Use values of effective
applicable to a variety of specimens and specimen sizes, the use of lower crack size ae and the force applied to the specimen at that
and upper plastic zone size limits to determine the lower and upper limits selected analysis point to calculate KR.
of the initial region of the force-CMOD curve has been found to avoid the
problems with other methods for determining the initial linear region. The 10.3.5.3 Plastic Zone Size (ry) Determination—To be con-
lower and upper plastic zone sizes can be used to determine the force sistent with the technique of direct crack size measurement, the
limits between which the linear region is determined. The force limits can plastic zone size calculation should be based on the physical
be determined by substituting in the lower and upper plastic zone size crack size for validity determination. However, for the secant
limits for rY in Eq 9 for the M(T) specimen or Eq 16 for the C(T)
compliance method, the physical crack size has to be deter-
specimen.
NOTE 11—Lower and upper plastic zone size limits of 0.050 mm (0.002 mined from ry so iteration is required. An overestimate of ry
in.) and 1.25 mm (0.05 in.) have been found to work well with KR testing can be made by substituting the value of KR from the previous
of aluminum alloys. step for K in Eq 2. Estimate the physical crack size ap = ae −

11
 E561 − 15a
ry and calculate K(ap ), which is the stress intensity factor based NOTE 14—Optionally, values of KR and ∆ae that are invalid according
on the physical crack size and using the force for this analysis to the net section stress validity can also be plotted but must be clearly
marked as such.
point. Next, determine an underestimate of ry by substituting
K(ap) for K in Eq 2. Adjust ry between these limits until K(ap) 10.7 Lot Release Testing—For lot release testing where KR
results in the same ry when substituted in Eq 2. values need to be determined at specified values of effective
10.3.5.4 Calculate the physical crack size ap = ae − ry. This crack extension, linear interpolation between adjacent points is
will be used in the net section stress validity calculation. acceptable as long as there is at least one (KR-∆ae) data pair
Complete the analysis by going to 10.4. between each specified crack extension point. For this reason it
10.3.6 Effective Crack Size Determination from Unloading is recommended that at least 50 points be used to accurately
Compliance—Use the steps in this section if the physical crack define the KR curve for a lot release test.
size is to be determined directly from unloading compliance 11. Specimen-Specific Equations
data. Effective crack size is computed by adding the plastic
zone size to the physical crack size. 11.1 For each specimen geometry covered in this method,
the equations and calibration tables for calculating KR and for
NOTE 13—Determination of compliance by digital data collection and determining crack size from compliance measurements are
analysis is recommended because of the better accuracy compared to
tabulated in this section.
manual methods.
10.3.6.1 Unloading Compliance—For the unloading com- 11.2 Middle-Cracked Tension (M(T)) Specimen:
pliance method, select unloading data subsets of the force- 11.2.1 The general equation for calculating the stress inten-
CMOD curve at each unload point. For each data subset, sity factor K as a function of the crack size for a given
calculate the unloading slope of the force-CMOD data by specimen geometry is given by:
manual methods or by linear regression. The slope represents
the unloading compliance (∆v/∆P)unload (see Fig. 10). Use the K5
P
WB
· Œ S D
πa·sec
πa
W
5
P
WB
·
! cos
πa

S D
πa
(4)
unloading compliance, specimen geometry, and effective W
modulus Eeff to calculate a physical crack size ap at each
selected unloading point using the compliance expressions for where:
the M(T) or C(T) specimen (see Note 12) in Section 11. P = applied force,
10.3.6.2 For each point where physical crack size ap was B = specimen thickness,
determined, compute the plastic zone size by calculating K(ap), W = total specimen width, and
the stress intensity factor using the physical crack size ap and a = the crack size; depending on the calculation, this could
the force just prior to the unload point. Use the expressions for be the effective crack size ae or the physical crack size
K in Eq 4 for the M(T) specimen or Eq 10 for the C(T) a p.
specimen. Substitute K(ap) for K in Eq 2 along with the yield 11.2.2 The preferred analytical equation for calculating
strength σYS to determine the plastic zone size ry. normalized compliance EB(∆v/∆P) as a function of the M(T)
10.3.6.3 For each unloading compliance point, add the specimen geometry and effective crack size (15) is given by:
value of ry to the physical crack size ap to determine the
effective crack size ae.
10.3.6.4 Calculate KR at each selected unload point using
EB S D
∆ν
∆P
5
2Y
W
· Œ πa/W
sin ~ πa/W !
· (5)

the appropriate equation for the specimen being tested (Eq 4 or 2W

Scosh~ πY/W !
D 11ν
Eq 10) and using values of ae determined in the previous step
and the force applied to the specimen just prior to the unload
point.
5 πY
cosh21
cos ~ πa/W !
2
ΠS 11
sin ~ πa/W !
sinh~ πY/W ! D 2
1ν
6
10.4 Calculate the change in effective crack size ∆ae by which is valid for 0.2 < 2a/W < 0.8 and Y/W ≤ 0.5 and where:
subtracting the initial crack size ao from each ae value E = the specimen material Young’s modulus or the
calculated. effective modulus Eeff ,
∆v/∆P = specimen compliance (the ratio of the change in
10.5 Calculate the net section stress validity criteria Rv for CMOD to the change in force),
each observation point. For the M(T) specimen, this is the ratio B = specimen thickness,
of the net stress (using the physical crack size) to the material W = total specimen width,
yield strength. For the C(T) specimens, this is the ratio of eight Y = half span of the displacement measurement points,
times the plastic zone size (based on physical crack size ap) to a = effective crack size ae for increasing load or physi-
remaining ligament length. Use Eq 8 for the M(T) specimen or cal crack size ap for unloading, and
Eq 15 for the C(T) specimen to calculate Rv. Mark as invalid ν = the material Poisson’s ratio.
any data points where Rv > 1.0 (see sample data in Table 1.) 11.2.3 The compliance calibration curve given in Eq 5 for a
10.6 Plotting the KR curve—Plot KR as a function of ∆ae for M(T) specimen using near-zero gage span is presented in Fig.
the data points meeting the net section validity requirements of 11. Note that the analytical curve shown is for a specific gage
the specimen tested. This is the valid portion of the KR curve in Y/W ratio.
accordance with this method provided the other requirements 11.2.4 An analytical inverse function for estimating the
of this method are met. normalized crack size from specimen compliance is given in

12
 E561 − 15a
11.2.6 The lower and upper force limits for selecting the
initial linear region of the force-CMOD curve in an M(T)
specimen can be determined by substituting lower and upper
plastic zone size limits for rY in the following expression:

P lim 5 σ YS·BW· Œ S D=
2
ao
cos
π·a o
W
· rY (9)

11.3 Compact Tension (C(T)) Specimen:

11.3.1 The general equation for calculating the stress inten-
sity factor K as a function of the crack size a for the C(T)
specimen geometry (16) is given by:
a
S D 21
K5 ·
P W
S D ·f
a
(10)
B =W 1 2 a
W S D 3/2
W

where:

f S D F
a
W
5 0.88614.64
a
W
2 13.32
a
W S D S D 2
114.72 S D
a
W
3

2 5.6 S DG
a
W
4
(11)

which is valid for any a/W ≥ 0.35 and where:

P = applied force,
B = specimen thickness,
a = crack size; depending on the calculation, this could be
the effective crack size ae or the physical crack size ap,
and
W = specimen width measured from the load line.
11.3.2 The expression for calculating normalized compli-
ance EB~ ∆v/∆P ! as a function of the C(T) specimen geometry
and effective crack size (17) is given by:
FIG. 11 Compliance Calibration Curve from Eq 5 for a M(T)
Specimen with Near Zero Gage Span
EB
∆v
∆P
5 A 0 1A 1
a
WS D S D S D S D
1A 2
a
W
2
1A 3
a
W
3
1A 4
a
W
4
(12)

Eq 6 and 7. This can be used to estimate an initial guess for 11.3.2.1 The table below shows the coefficients A to be used
iteration of Eq 5 using Eeff and the measured specimen in Eq 12 for two displacement measurement locations on the
compliance. This is a polynomial fit to an inversion of Eq 5. C(T) specimen.

X 5 1 2 exp F 2 =@ E eff B ~ ∆ν/∆P ! # 2 2 ~ 2Y/W ! 2

2.141
G (6)
Inverse compliance coefficients for the compact tension specimen for two

v
displacement measurement locations V0 and V1 shown in Fig. 8

measurement A0 A1 A2 A3 A4
2a location
5 1.2235X 2 0.699032X 2 13.25584X 3 2 6.65042X 4 15.54X 5
W V0 120.7 -1065.3 4098.0 -6688.0 4450.5
V1 103.8 -930.4 3610.0 -5930.5 3979.0
2 1.66989X 6 (7) Accuracy for EBv/P is ±0.04% over the range of 0.35 # a/W # 0.60
11.2.5 The following equation is used to calculate the 11.3.3 The expression for calculating the normalized crack
validity ratio for the M(T) specimen at each selected point in size from the normalized compliance in the C(T) specimen (18)
the test: is given in Eq 13 and 14.
σ net P a
Rv 5 5 (8) 5 C 0 1C 1 U1C 2 U 2 1C 3 U 3 1C 4 U 4 1C 5 U 5 (13)
σ YS σ YS·B ~ W 2 2a p ! W
where ap is the physical crack size determined at that point. where:

13
 E561 − 15a
TABLE 2 Variability in KR at Four Selected Levels of Effective Crack Extension, ∆ae Seven Labs—Triplicate Tests
NOTE 1—The standard deviation has been pooled for all laboratories testing a given alloy. Data on the round robin results are on file at ASTM
Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, USA 19428-2959. Request RR: E-24-1011.
KR values for 2024-T351: σYS = 330 MPa (48 ksi) in MPa·=m (ksi·=in.)
Effective Crack Extension, ∆ae 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) 5.1 mm (0.2 in.) 7.6 mm (0.3 in.) 10.2 mm (0.4 in.)
Grand Mean of 21 specimens 47.8 (43.5) 61.9 (56.3) 73.4 (66.8) 81.3 (74.0)
Standard Deviation 2.0 (1.8) 2.0 (1.8) 1.5 (1.4) 1.6 (1.5)
KR values for 7475-T7351: σYS = 405 MPa (59 ksi) in MPa·=m (ksi·=in.)
Effective Crack Extension, ∆ae 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) 5.1 mm (0.2 in.) 7.6 mm (0.3 in.) 10.2 mm (0.4 in.)
Grand Mean of 20 specimens 52.9 (48.1) 65.9 (60.0) 78.2 (71.2) 85.2 (77.5)
Standard Deviation 3.4 (3.1) 4.2 (3.8) 4.1 (3.7) 4.5 (4.1)

1 11.3.5 The lower and upper force limits for selecting the
U5 (14)
11 ΠEB
∆v
∆P
initial linear region of the force-CMOD curve in the C(T)
specimen can be determined by substituting lower and upper
plastic zone size limits for rY in the following expression (see
11.3.3.1 The table below contains the coefficients C to be Notes 10 and 11):
used in Eq 13 for two displacement measurement locations on
S D
3
the C(T) specimen. a0 2
σ YS·B· =2π·W· 1 2
W
Compliance coefficients for the compact tension specimen for two P lim 5 · =r Y (16)
v
displacement measurement locations V0 and V1 shown in Fig. 8

measurement C0 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
S 21
WDS D
a0
·f
a0
W
location where f(ao/W) is given in Eq 11, and where ao is the initial
V0 1.0010 -4.6695 18.460 -236.82 1214.90 -2143.6
V1 1.0008 -4.4473 15.400 -180.55 870.92 -1411.3
crack size and σYS is the yield strength of the material in the
Accuracy for a/W is ±0.0005% over the range of 0.35 # a/W # 0.60 orientation corresponding to the force-application direction of
11.3.3.2 Fig. 12 shows a plot of the compliance calibration the specimen.
curve for the C(T) specimen for the two displacement mea-
12. Report
surement locations.
11.3.4 The following equation is used to calculate the 12.1 Report the following information:
validity ratio for the C(T) specimen at each selected point in 12.1.1 A plot showing the KR curve, plotted in terms of
the test: effective crack extension ∆ae. Clearly indicate any data that are
invalid by the net section stress or the crack deviation
8·r Y
Rv 5 (15) requirements,
W 2 ap
12.1.2 Type and size of specimen used,
where ap is the physical crack size determined at that point. 12.1.3 Measured specimen dimensions,

FIG. 12 Compliance Curves for the C(T) Specimen for Two Displacement Measurement Locations V0 and V1 shown in Fig. 8

14
 E561 − 15a
12.1.4 Initial physical crack size ao, 12.2.8 Kc, which is the KR value at maximum applied force,
12.1.5 Crack orientation (see Annex A2 in Terminology and
E1823 for coding system), 12.2.9 Kapp, which is the value of K calculated at maximum
12.1.6 Product form and thickness, applied force, but using the initial crack size ao instead of the
12.1.7 Yield strength, effective crack size ae.
12.1.8 Material modulus,
12.1.9 Precracking conditions, 13. Precision and Bias
12.1.10 Crack measurement technique (direct measurement
13.1 The precision of KR curve data is a complex synergistic
or single compliance, and whether unloading compliance
function of the precision and accuracy of the instrumentation
measurements were used),
used, setup of the test fixtures, and the performance of the test.
12.1.11 Effective modulus, if obtained,
The latter is a matter of care and skill which cannot be
12.1.12 Initial CMOD gage span, if used,
prescribed in a standard method. An example of measurement
12.1.13 Average K-rate during the initial portion of the test
precision that resulted from interlaboratory testing involving
and whether this value meets the requirements of 9.5,
seven laboratories, each testing two materials, is given in Table
12.1.14 A tabular listing of the KR and ∆ ae values defining
2. The two materials represent two levels of uniformity of
the KR curve along with the values of ry and Rv at each point
behavior during stable crack extension; one presenting a slight
(see sample tabulation of analysis data in Table 1). Note any
tendency for crack pop-in. All laboratories participated with
data points where the physical crack tip is outside the 10°
the compact, C(T), specimen, but plan-view size and initial
envelope as described in 9.10, and
crack size were varied as allowed within the scope of this
12.1.15 Test environmental conditions (temperature and
standard.
humidity).
12.2 The following information can be reported, but is not 13.2 A KR curve is not a single valued quantity, but a series
required: of quantities dependent on crack extension. Hence, KR curves
12.2.1 The CMOD origin vo, are not easily analyzed using statistical methods. Bias cannot
12.2.2 Force and CMOD data at each selected analysis be evaluated because there exists no reference value by which
point, it is possible to identify a value of KR at all of the possible
12.2.3 The rate of change in KR with respect to time levels of the effective crack extension, ∆ae.
between selected analysis points,
12.2.4 The elapsed time from the start of the test, 14. Keywords
12.2.5 The range of data used for the initial linear slope, 14.1 effective crack extension; fracture mechanics; fracture
12.2.6 The theoretical plastic zone size at the lower and resistance; fracture toughness; KR ; KR curve; linear elastic;
upper ends of the initial linear slope, plane stress; plastic zone; standard test method; stress intensity
12.2.7 Statistical results of the initial linear slope regression, factor

REFERENCES

(1) Fracture Toughness Evaluation by R-Curve Methods, ASTM STP 527, Methodology: Laboratory Coupons to Structural Components,” The
Am. Soc. Testing Mats., 1973. Third Joint FAA/DoD/NASA Conference on Aging Aircraft,
(2) Srawley, J. E., and Brown, W. F., “Fracture Toughness Testing,” Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 20-23, 1999.
Symposium on Fracture Toughness Testing and Its Applications, (9) Pettit, D. E., and Van Orden, J. M., “Evaluation of Temperature
ASTM STP 381, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., 1965, pp. 133–198. Effects on Crack Growth in Aluminum Sheet Material,” Fracture
(3) Kraft, J. M., Sullivan, A. M., and Boyle, R. W., “Effect of Dimensions Mechanics, ASTM STP 677, C. W. Smith, Ed., ASTM International,
on Fast Fracture Instability of Notched Sheets,” Proceedings of the 1979, pp. 106–124.
Crack Propagation Symposium, College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, (10) Schwalbe, K. H., and Setz, W., “R-Curve and Fracture Toughness of
England, Vol 1, 1961, pp. 8–26. Thin Sheet Materials,” Journal of Testing and Evaluation, Vol 9, No.
(4) Heyer, R. H., and McCabe, D. E., “Plane-Stress Fracture Toughness 4, 1981.
Testing Using a Crack-Line-Loaded Specimen,” Engineering Frac- (11) Helm, J. D., Sutton, M. A., and McNeill, S. R., “Deformations in
ture Mechanics, Vol 4, pp. 393–412. Wide, Center-Notched, Thin Panels, Part I: Three-Dimensional
(5) Heyer, R. H., and McCabe, D. E., “Crack Growth Resistance in Shape and Deformation Measurements by Computer Vision,” Opti-
Plane-Stress Fracture Testing,” Engineering Fracture Mechanics, Vol cal Engineering, Vol 42(05), May 2003, pp. 1293–1305.
4, pp. 413–430. (12) Boyle, R. W., “Crack Growth in Notched Sheet Specimens,”
(6) Paris, P. C., and Sih, G. C., “Stress Analysis of Cracks,” Symposium Materials Research and Standards, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., Vol 2,
on Fracture Toughness Testing and Its Applications, ASTM STP 381, No. 8, 1962.
Am. Soc. Testing Mats., 1965, pp. 30–83. (13) Feddersen, C. E., “Evaluation and Prediction of the Residual
(7) McDarmaid, D. S., Thomas, C. E., and Wheeler, C., “Mechanical Strength of Center Cracked Tension Panels,” Damage Tolerance in
Properties of 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Sheet,” Defence Research Aircraft Structures, ASTM STP 486, Am. Soc. Testing Mats., 1971 ,
Agency, Aerospace Division, RAE Farnborough, Hampshire, Techni- pp. 50–78.
cal Report 91071, December 1991. (14) Cotterell, B., “On Fracture Path Stability in the Compact Tension
(8) Dawicke, D. S., Newman, J. C. Jr., Starnes, J. H. Jr., Rose, C. A., Test,” International Journal of Fracture Mechanics, Vol 6, 1970, pp.
Young R. D., and Seshadri, B. R. “Residual Strength Analysis 189–192.

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 E561 − 15a
(15) Eftis, J., and Liebowitz, H., “On the Modified Westergaard Equation (17) Newman, J. C., “Crack-Opening Displacements in Center-Crack,
for Certain Plane Crack Problems,” International Journal of Frac- Compact, and Crack-Line Wedge Loaded Specimens,” NASA TN
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(16) Srawley, J. E., “Wide Range Stress Intensity Factor Expressions for (18) Saxena, A. and Hudak, S. J., “Review and Extension of Compliance
ASTM E399 Standard Fracture Toughness Specimens,” Interna- Information for Common Crack Growth Specimens,” International
tional Journal of Fracture Mechanics, Vol 12, June 1976, p. 475. Journal of Fracture Mechanics, Vol 14, No. 5, October 1978.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E08 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E561 – 15)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved December 1, 2015)

(1) Revisions made throughout.

Committee E08 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(E561 – 10ε2) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved October 15, 2015)

(1) Changed all occurrences of K-R to KR in the body of the (2) Revised 8.5.4.
standard.

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