The work-of-fracture of brittle materials: Principle, determination, and applications

Theoretical and empirical considerations of the work-of-fracture, γ_wof, of brittle materials are reviewed. The energy principle of the work-of-fracture provides a modified Irwin similarity relationship in the nonlinear fracture mechanics regime. Various microscopic deformation and fracture processes in the crack wake and the crack-face contact regions contribute to the rising R-curve behavior of brittle materials, and then significantly affect the work-of-fracture, resulting in the work-of-fracture that is dependent on the dimension and geometry of test specimens as well as test methods. The requisite for the work-of-fracture to be a material characteristic resistance to failure is discussed in relation to the R-curve behavior. Some examples of the work-of-fracture test results demonstrate the usefulness of the work-of-fracture for designing brittle materials with improved toughness.