Effect of specimen size, applied stress and temperature gradient on brittle crack arrest toughness test

Temperature gradient type ESSO test is one of the most popular test methods for evaluating the brittle crack arrest toughness, $$K_ca$$ . However, test conditions which are specimen shape, tab plate shape, applied stress and temperature gradient affect $$K_ca$$ . This document reports effects of specimen geometries that are specimen width, tab plate length, tab plate thickness and tab plate width on $$K_ca$$ evaluation. In addition, effects of applied stress and temperature gradient have also been investigated. Temperature gradient type ESSO tests are conducted at three different steel mills in Japan. Then, test conditions were varied and test results were compared. In the result, influence range of effect specimen width, tab plate thickness, applied stress and temperature gradient were demonstrated. The applicable range of specimen geometry, applied stress and temperature gradient were clarified and implemented to the brittle crack arrest standard.