The concepts of fracture mechanics are basic ideas for developing the methods of predicting the load-carrying capabilities of structures and components containing cracks. This article provides an introduction to the methodology for computing the onset of fracture and describes plane strain fracture toughness, denoted as K_IC. It presents formulas for the stress-intensity parameter as a function of crack size, crack shape, applied stress (or load), and geometry of load application.

Fracture mechanics is a multidisciplinary engineering topic that has foundations in both mechanics and materials science. This article summarizes the microstructural aspect of fracture resistance in...