spricklängd

Spricklängd (Swedish for "crack length") denotes the measured linear extent of a crack or fracture in a material or geological formation. The term is used in engineering, materials science and geology to describe the size of discontinuities that influence mechanical behavior, fluid flow and structural integrity.

In materials and structural engineering, spricklängd is a key parameter in fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis. The length of a crack affects stress intensity factors, crack propagation rates and the remaining life of components. In geological contexts, spricklängd characterizes fractures in rock masses or soils and influences permeability, slope stability and the distribution of stress in the subsurface.

Measurement techniques vary by scale and application. Laboratory and field methods include optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, digital image correlation, X‑ray computed tomography, ultrasonic testing, acoustic emission and eddy‑current inspection. Reported lengths may be continuous measurements along the fracture, projections on a plane, or effective lengths inferred from modeling.

Modeling and assessment often use linear elastic fracture mechanics for brittle materials or empirical laws for fatigue; for example, crack growth rate relations depend on stress intensity factors that are functions of crack length. Monitoring and repair strategies aim to detect increases in spricklängd early to prevent catastrophic failure, and inspection intervals and acceptance criteria are typically set by industry codes and standards relevant to the material and service conditions.