Bruchzähigkeit

Bruchzähigkeit is a material property that describes a fracture mechanics parameter. It quantifies the resistance of a material to crack propagation when a crack is already present. Specifically, it represents the stress intensity factor at which a crack will propagate unstably. A high Bruchzähigkeit indicates that a material can withstand significant stress before a crack grows and leads to fracture. This property is crucial in engineering design, especially for components subjected to cyclic loading or where defects are unavoidable.

The unit of Bruchzähigkeit is typically given in units of stress multiplied by the square root of length, such as megapascal square root meters (MPa√m) or kilopound per square inch square root inches (ksi√in). It is determined through standardized tests, often involving a specimen with a pre-existing notch or crack. The test measures the load required to cause fracture and the dimensions of the crack.

Bruchzähigkeit is an intrinsic property of a material and is influenced by factors such as composition, microstructure, temperature, and strain rate. It is a critical parameter for ensuring the safety and reliability of structures and components in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering. Understanding Bruchzähigkeit allows engineers to select appropriate materials and design components that can tolerate flaws and avoid catastrophic failure.