For a comprehensive assessment of the strength and toughness of structural components and to evaluate their safety, besides the "usual" mechanical and engineering properties the toughness of the material must also be taken into account. This is defined as the material's resistance to crack initiation and/or crack propagation. On the basis of the fracture toughness value, designers can select a material appropriate for the loads it will be required to sustain. This is particularly necessary when, because of their specific advantages, castings are used in severely loaded and potentially fracture-prone structures.
展开▼
