The effect of varying sample geometry on the failure properties of Zircaloy-4

In this study, the sample size of three-point bend samples was varied and the change in failure properties measured. Sample width, sample thickness and notch depth of a ductile material, Zircaloy-4, were varied while stress intensity, crack-open-displacement and failure energy were determined. In all tests the material showed elastic-plastic behavior. Statistical analysis was used to determine mathematical relationships between the sample geometry and the various failure parameters. It was then shown that the theoretical relationships between failure parameters needed modification for elastic-plastic failures. (author)