Abstract

A new method for evaluating the crack size in a fracture mechanics test which only has force-displacement data, P?, is introduced. This method consists in generating P-? curves of the "a constant" type, and obtain their intercepts with the experimental curve. By using P-?-a data of an A 508 C(T) specimen, and a two-dimensional finite element model, it is shown that the method contributes to generate relevant data concerning the evolution of the crack size in a test. The results obtained with the method make it possible to construct a J-R curve which is practically identical to that constructed with the original experimental data.