ISO 26843:2015

Metallic materials - Measurement of fracture toughness at impact loading rates using precracked Charpy-type test pieces

ISO 26843:205 specifies requirements for performing and evaluating instrumented precracked Charpy impact tests on metallic materials using a fracture mechanics approach. Minimum requirements are given for measurement and recording equipment such that similar sensitivity and comparable measurements are achieved. Dynamic fracture mechanics properties determined using this International Standard are comparable with conventional large-scale fracture mechanics results when the corresponding validity criteria are met. Because of the small absolute size of the Charpy specimen, this is often not the case. Nevertheless, the values obtained can be used in research and development of materials, in quality control, and to establish the variation of properties with test temperature under impact loading rates. Fracture toughness properties determined through the use of this International Standard may differ from values measured at quasistatic loading rates. Indeed, an increase in loading rate causes a decrease in fracture toughness when tests are performed in the brittle or ductile-to-brittle regimes; the opposite is observed (i.e. increase in fracture toughness) in the fully ductile regime. More information on the dependence of fracture toughness on loading (or strain) rate is given in Reference [1]. In addition, it is generally acknowledged that fracture toughness also depends on test temperature. For these reasons, the user is required to report the actual test temperature and loading rate for each test performed. In case of cleavage fracture of ferritic steels in the ductile-to-brittle transition region, variability can be very large and cannot be adequately described by simple statistics. In this case, additional tests are required and the analysis is to be performed using a statistical procedure applicable to this type of test, see for example Reference [2]. NOTE Modifications to the analytical procedures prescribed in Reference [2] might be necessary to account for the effect of elevated (impact) loading rates.

Matériaux métalliques — Mesure de la ténacité d'éprouvettes type Charpy préfissurées soumises à un chargement d'impact

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Dec-2015
• ICS: 77.040.10 - Mechanical testing of metals
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 164/SC 4 - Fatigue, fracture and toughness testing
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 164/SC 4/WG 3 - Fracture toughness
• Current Stage: 9092 - International Standard to be revised
• Start Date: 03-Oct-2022
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Overview - ISO 26843:2015 (precracked Charpy, fracture toughness at impact rates)

ISO 26843:2015 specifies requirements for performing and evaluating instrumented, precracked Charpy-type impact tests on metallic materials using a fracture‑mechanics approach. The standard defines minimum requirements for measurement and recording equipment so that instrumented Charpy tests produce comparable dynamic fracture‑mechanics data (J-integral, K, R‑curves) where validity criteria are met. Because Charpy specimens are small, results are not always directly equivalent to large‑scale quasistatic fracture toughness tests, but they are valuable for research, development and quality control under impact loading rates.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Instrumented testing: Use of instrumented pendulum/impact machines and ancillary recording equipment (sensitivity and sampling requirements) in line with ISO 14556 and ISO 148 series guidance.
• Precracking: Fatigue precracking procedures and crack‑length measurement before and after impact are required.
• Fracture mechanics evaluation: Determination of dynamic J, K, and R‑curve behaviour using prescribed evaluation methods (single‑ and multiple‑specimen techniques, normalization methods).
• Dynamic conditions: Reporting of actual test temperature and loading (or strain) rate for each test-fracture toughness is rate‑ and temperature‑dependent (brittle/transition vs fully ductile regimes behave differently).
• Validity and statistics: Validity criteria for comparing to large‑scale results; special statistical procedures recommended for highly variable cleavage fracture (ferritic steels in the ductile‑to‑brittle transition).
• Annexed procedures: Normative and informative annexes cover machine suitability, strain‑rate estimation, dynamic evaluation, R‑curve determination, characteristic toughness values, and example test reports.

Practical applications and users

• Materials scientists and metallurgists using dynamic fracture mechanics to assess performance under impact loading.
• R&D teams developing new alloys, heat treatments, or weld procedures where impact toughness vs temperature is critical.
• Quality control and production testing where instrumented precracked Charpy tests provide rapid comparative fracture data.
• Structural integrity analysts using small‑specimen impact data to inform models, provided validity criteria are observed.
• Laboratories implementing standardized test methods for regulatory or procurement specifications.

Related standards (for cross‑reference)

• ISO 14556 - Instrumented Charpy V‑notch test method
• ISO 148‑1 / 148‑2 - Charpy pendulum impact test and machine verification
• ISO 12135 - Quasistatic fracture toughness methods
• ISO 26203‑2 - Tensile testing at high strain rates

Keywords: ISO 26843:2015, fracture toughness, precracked Charpy, impact loading, instrumented Charpy, dynamic fracture mechanics, J‑integral, strain rate, ductile‑to‑brittle, R‑curve.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 26843
First edition
2015-12-15
Metallic materials — Measurement
of fracture toughness at impact
loading rates using precracked
Charpy-type test pieces
Matériaux métalliques — Mesure de la ténacité d’éprouvettes type
Charpy préfissurées soumises à un chargement d’impact
Reference number
©
ISO 2015
© ISO 2015, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
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ii © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Symbols . 1
4 Principle . 3
5 Test specimens. 5
6 Testing machines . 6
7 Test procedures and measurements. 6
7.1 General . 6
7.2 Impact velocity . 7
7.3 Time to fracture . 7
7.4 Multiple specimen tests. 7
7.5 Single-specimen tests . 7
7.6 Post-test crack length measurements . 8
8 Evaluation of fracture mechanics parameters . 8
9 Test report . 9
9.1 Organization . 9
9.2 Specimen, material, and test environment . 9
9.2.1 Specimen description . 9
9.2.2 Specimen dimensions . 9
9.2.3 Material description . . 9
9.2.4 Test environment .10
9.3 Fatigue precracking conditions .10
9.4 Test data qualification .10
9.4.1 Limitations .10
9.4.2 Crack length measurements .10
9.4.3 Fracture surface appearance .10
9.4.4 Resistance curves .10
9.4.5 Checklist for data qualification .10
9.5 Test results.11
Annex A (normative) Test machines suitable for each test procedure .12
Annex B (informative) Estimation of strain rate .13
Annex C (normative) Dynamic evaluation of fracture toughness .14
Annex D (normative) Determination of resistance curves at impact loading rates by
multiple specimen methods .19
Annex E (normative) Estimation of J-Δa R-curves using the normalization method .21
d
Annex F (normative) Determination of characteristic fracture toughness value J .24
0,2Bd
Annex G (normative) Validity criteria .25
Annex H (normative) Determination of fracture toughness in terms of J-integral .27
Annex I (informative) Example test reports .29
Bibliography .34
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
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electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
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For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 164, Mechanical testing of metals, Subcommittee
SC 4, Toughness testing — Fracture (F), Pendulum (P), Tear (T).
iv © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This International Standard is closely related to ISO 14556 and was derived from a draft procedure
prepared by the Working Party “European Standards on Instrumented Precracked Charpy Testing”
of the European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS) Technical Subcommittee on Dynamic Testing at
Intermediate Strain Rates (TC5).
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 26843:2015(E)
Metallic materials — Measurement of fracture toughness
at impact loading rates using precracked Charpy-type test
pieces
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements for performing and evaluating instrumented
precracked Charpy impact tests on metallic materials using a fracture mechanics approach. Minimum
requirements are given for measurement and recording equipment such that similar sensitivity and
comparable measurements are achieved.
Dynamic fracture mechanics properties determined using this International Standard are comparable
with conventional large-scale fracture mechanics results when the corresponding validity criteria are
met. Because of the small absolute size of the Charpy specimen, this is often not the case. Nevertheless,
the values obtained can be used in research and development of materials, in quality control, and to
establish the variation of properties with test temperature under impact loading rates.
Fracture toughness properties determined through the use of this International Standard may differ
from values measured at quasistatic loading rates. Indeed, an increase in loading rate causes a decrease
in fracture toughness when tests are performed in the brittle or ductile-to-brittle regimes; the opposite
is observed (i.e. increase in fracture toughness) in the fully ductile regime. More information on the
dependence of fracture toughness on loading (or strain) rate is given in Reference [1]. In addition, it is
generally acknowledged that fracture toughness also depends on test temperature. For these reasons,
the user is required to report the actual test temperature and loading rate for each test performed.
In case of cleavage fracture of ferritic steels in the ductile-to-brittle transition region, variability can
be very large and cannot be adequately described by simple statistics. In this case, additional tests are
required and the analysis is to be performed using a statistical procedure applicable to this type of test,
see for example Reference [2].
NOTE Modifications to the analytical procedures prescribed in Reference [2] might be necessary to account
for the effect of elevated (impact) loading rates.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 148-1, Metallic materials — Charpy pendulum impact test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 148-2, Metallic materials — Charpy pendulum impact test — Part 2: Verification of testing machines
ISO 12135, Metallic materials — Unified method of test for the determination of quasistatic fracture toughness
ISO 14556, Steel — Charpy V-notch pendulum impact test — Instrumented test method
ISO 26203-2, Metallic materials — Tensile testing at high strain rates — Part 2: Servo-hydraulic and
other test systems
3 Symbols
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following symbols given in Table 1 apply.
Table 1 — Symbols and definitions used in this International Standard
Symbol Definition Unit
Nominal crack length (for the purposes of fatigue precracking, an assigned value less mm
a
than a )
a Final crack length (a + Δa) mm
f 0
a Length of machined notch mm
m
a Initial crack length mm
Δa Crack extension (a – a ) mm
Δa Crack extension limit for J-controlled crack extension mm
max
Δa Crack extension corresponding to displacement s mm
s
B Specimen thickness mm
B Specimen effective thickness as defined in Formula (E.7) mm
e
B Specimen net thickness after side-grooving mm
N
C Compliance of the test machine m/N
M
C Specimen elastic compliance m/N
C Specimen theoretical compliance m/N
S
E Young’s modulus of elasticity GPa
−1
dε/dt Strain rate s
f Output frequency limit Hz
g
F Applied force N
F Applied force at onset of unstable crack extension in Figure 1 N
cd
F Maximum fatigue precracking force during the final precracking stage N
f
F Applied force at onset of general yielding as defined in ISO 14556 N
gy
F Maximum applied force as defined in ISO 14556 N
m
F Applied force corresponding to a displacement s N
s
J Dynamic J-integral MJ/m
d
J Dynamic equivalent of J in ISO 12135 (with B = 10 mm) MJ/m
cd c(B)
J J at upper limit of J-controlled crack extension MJ/m
g
J Limit of J -R material behaviour defined by this test method MJ/m
d,max d
J Dynamic equivalent of J in ISO 12135 (with B = 10 mm) MJ/m
ud u(B)
J Dynamic equivalent of J in ISO 12135 (with B = 10 mm) MJ/m
0,2Bd 0,2BL(B)
2 −1
dJ /dt Rate of change of dynamic J-integral MJ/m s
d
0,5
K Dynamic stress intensity factor MPa m
d
0,5
K Dynamic stress intensity factor calculated from J-integral MPa m
Jd
dyn 0,5
K (t) Stress intensity factor – time history from the impact response curve method MPa m
I
0,5
K Dynamic plane strain fracture toughness MPa m
Id
0,5
K Dynamic stress intensity factor calculated from J-integral at the onset of cleavage MPa m
Jcd
0,5 −1
dK /dt Rate of change of dynamic stress intensity factor MPa m s
d
KV Absorbed energy as defined in ISO 148-1 J
KV Available potential energy corresponding to a reduced pendulum impact velocity v J
0 0
M Total mass of the moving striker of the pendulum kg
n Strain hardening exponent of the Ramberg-Osgood material law —
N Number of available test specimens —
2 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

Table 1 (continued)
Symbol Definition Unit
Dynamic flow stress, defined as the average of dynamic yield strength and dynamic
R MPa
fd
tensile strength
R Dynamic tensile strength determined at the strain rate of the fracture toughness test MPa
md
Dynamic yield (proof) strength determined at the strain rate of the fracture tough-
R MPa
pd
ness test
R Yield (proof) strength measured at quasistatic strain rate MPa
p
s Specimen displacement (calculated according to ISO 14556) mm
s Plastic component of specimen displacement mm
pl
S Span between outer loading points mm
T Temperature °C
t Time s
t Time to fracture s
f
t Time at the onset of crack propagation s
i
t Signal rise time s
r
t Time at striker impact s
o
τ Period of force oscillation s
−1
v Initial striker impact velocity m s
v Striker impact velocity corresponding to the maximum available energy of the pendu-
0s
−1
m s
lum
W Specimen effective width mm
W Energy at maximum force as defined in ISO 14556 J
m
W Plastic component of the area under the force-displacement test record up to displace-
p
J
ment s
W Total fracture energy under the force-displacement test record up to displacement s J
s
W Calculated energy from area under complete force-displacement test record up to
t
J
F = 0,02 F as defined in ISO 14556
m
W Available impact energy J
o
ν Poisson’s ratio —
4 Principle
This International Standard prescribes impact bend tests which may be performed on fatigue precracked
Charpy-type specimens to obtain dynamic fracture mechanics properties of metallic materials. This
International Standard extends the procedure for V-notch impact bend tests in accordance with
ISO 148-1, and may be used for the evaluation of the master curve reference temperature in accordance
with Reference [2] provided that the corresponding validity requirements are met. Instrumented
testing machines are required together with ancillary instrumentation and recording equipment in
accordance with ISO 14556.
Fracture toughness properties depend on material response reflected in the force-time diagrams
described in Table 2 and Figure 1. The logical structure for fracture property determination and
validation is shown in the flow chart of Figure 2.
Table 2 — Fracture toughness properties to be determined
Material response/fracture behaviour Corresponding diagram type R-curve Characteristic pa-
(see Figure 1) rameters
J , K , K (B, dK /
cd Jcd Id d
Linear-elastic I —
dt, dJ /dt)
d
Elastic-plastic, unstable fracture with
II — J , K (B,dJ /dt)
cd Jcd d
Δa < 0,2 mm
Elastic-plastic, unstable fracture with
II — J (B,Δa,dJ /dt)
ud d
0,2 mm ≤ Δa ≤ 0,15 (W − a )
Elastic-plastic, unstable fracture with
III J -Δa J (dJ /dt)
d 0,2Bd d
Δa > 0,15 (W − a )
Elastic-plastic; no unstable fracture IV J -Δa J (dJ /dt)
d 0,2Bd d
Force
Force
Type I
F
Type II
cd
F
cd
t t
Force Time Time
f f
Force
Type III
F
m F
m
Type IV
F
cd
Test
F
gy
termination
F
gy
Figure 1 — Typical force-time diagrams (schematic)
4 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

Fracture toughness test
at impact loading rates
Unstable Fracture
Stable
Figure 1 types I or II behaviour
Figure 1 types III or IV
Figure 1
II
I
type
Test method
No Yes
Yes No
t < 3τ
t < 3τ
f
f
Use lower
Quasistatic Quasistatic
Use lower Multi-specimen
Single-specimen
impact
impact elastic-plastic
elastic-plastic
evaluation
normalization
velocity
velocity
fracture fracture
method
method
or
mechanics mechanics
dynamic eval.
(Annex E)
(Annex H) (Annex H)
(Annex D)
methods
(Annex C)
repeat test with
different ∆a
J , K J , K , J
K
Id cd Jcd cd Jcd ud
J-R curve
No
No
Yes
0,2 ≤ ∆a ≤ 0,15
∆a < 0,2 mm
AnneAnnex Fx F
(W−a )
Yes
J , K J
JJ , , KK
Validity (Annex G) Validity (Annex G)
cd Jcd ud
cdcd JcJcdd
Figure 2 — Flow chart for the application of the test method
5 Test specimens
5.1 Specimens shall be prepared in accordance with the standard specimens of ISO 148-1, with or
without the 2,0 mm V-notch, followed by fatigue precracking.
5.2 Specimens shall be fatigue precracked in bending to produce an initial crack length, a , in the range
0,30 ≤ a /W ≤ 0,70.
If the results in terms of J are to be directly comparable with full-size standard fracture toughness
values such as J (as defined in ISO 12135), then a /W shall be in the range 0,45 < a /W < 0,70.
0,2BL 0 0
Shorter crack lengths may be more advantageous, as a stiffer test piece increases the probability of a
successful test.
5.3 To initiate fatigue precracking, machine or spark erode a slot into the specimen. For specimens
with an existing V-notch, fatigue precracking may initiate at the bottom of the notch. The length of the
machined notch, a , shall be at least 1,0 mm shorter than the desired initial crack length, a .
m 0
5.4 During the final 1,3 mm or 50 % of precrack extension, whichever is less, the maximum fatigue
precracking force shall be the lower of:
0,8BW−a
()
F= R (1)
f p
S
or
 
 
WBB
W 
N
 
F=ξ×E (2)
f  
 a   S
 
f
   
W
 
 
a
 
−4 1/2
where ξ = 1,6 × 10 m and the function f is given in Formula (H.2).
 
W
 
The ratio of minimum-to-maximum fatigue precracking force shall be in the range 0 to 0,1 except that
to expedite crack initiation one or more cycles of −1,0 may be first applied.
NOTE For plain-sided specimens, B = B.
N
5.5 When fatigue precracking is performed at temperature T and testing is performed at temperature
T , F in Formula (2) shall be factored by the ratio R [T ] / R [T ], where R [T ] is the quasistatic yield
2 f p 1 pd 2 p 1
strength at temperature T and R [T ] is the dynamic yield strength at temperature T . In addition, F
1 pd 2 2 f
determined from Formula (1) shall be evaluated using the smaller value of R [T ] and R [T ].
p 1 pd 2
5.6 Specimens may be side grooved, preferably after fatigue precracking, using a V-notch cutter in
accordance with ISO 148-1 to a depth of 1,0 mm on each side. Side grooving is recommended for all J -Δa
d
R-curve tests. For details of crack length measurement, see 9.4.2.
6 Testing machines
6.1 The tests may be carried out using testing machines of the general types specified in Annex A. Not
all machines can perform all types of test (see Annex A for more details). In all cases, the striker and anvil
dimensions shall conform to ISO 148-2.
6.2 Details of machine instrumentation and calibration procedures are specified in ISO 14556.
6.3 For every test in which the entire force signal has been recorded (i.e. the force returns to the
baseline), the difference between KV and W shall be within ±15 % of KV or ±1 J, whichever is larger. If
t
this requirement is not met but the difference does not exceed ±25 % of KV or ±2 J, whichever is larger,
[3]
force values may be adjusted until KV = W . If the difference exceeds ±25 % of KV or ±2 J, whichever is
t
larger, the test shall be discarded and the calibration of the instrumented striker user shall be checked
and if necessary repeated. If recording of the entire force signal is not possible (for example due to the
specimen being ejected from the machine without being fully broken), conformance to the requirements
stated earlier shall be demonstrated by testing, using the same experimental apparatus, at least five
Charpy specimens (precracked, non-precracked, or a mix of precracked and non-precracked) of similar
absorbed energy level, for which the entire force signal is recorded. In all cases, the difference between
KV and W shall be within ±15 % of KV or ±1 J, whichever is larger.
t
7 Test procedures and measurements
7.1 General
Tests are performed in general accordance with the standard Charpy impact test of ISO 148-1, with
allowance for other types of machines, as specified in Annex A.
6 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

The force-displacement diagram is recorded according to ISO 14556, from which the key data values
F , F , W , and W are determined. In addition to the procedures of ISO 14556, specific procedures for
m cd m t
determining striking velocity, available energy, and crack lengths are given below. These data form the
basis for evaluation of toughness parameters according to Annexes D to F.
NOTE The force F in this International Standard corresponds to the force F (crack initiation force) in
cd iu
ISO 14556.
7.2 Impact velocity
This International Standard applies to any impact velocity, v , in excess of those corresponding to
the testing rates prescribed by ISO 12135. Commonly used impact velocities are in the range from
−1 −1
1 ms to 5,5 ms .
NOTE 1 Impact velocities for pendulum or falling weight testing machines can vary by adjusting the striker
release height.
NOTE 2 The reduced impact velocity, v , can be determined as follows: release the pendulum from the
appropriately reduced height, without a specimen on the supports. Read the energy KV (in J) indicated by the
pointer on the analogue scale. From this, the reduced impact velocity is calculated for a 300 J pendulum as:
300−KV
vv= (3)
00s
where v is the impact velocity corresponding to the maximum potential energy of the pendulum
0s
(machine capacity), in this case 300 J. If the pendulum maximum available energy is different from
300 J, replace 300 in Formula (3) with the actual maximum available energy. A reduced velocity (1 m/s
to 2 m/s) can be advantageous, particularly in case of brittle behaviour, as it reduces the effect of
oscillations by lowering their relative amplitude and by increasing their number within the time to
fracture t (see 8.2).
f
7.3 Time to fracture
When the time t to initiate unstable fracture is less than 3τ, with τ being the period of force oscillation,
f
fracture occurs after less than three oscillations in the force-time or force-displacement record. In this
case, the instant of crack initiation is not detectable in the force signal with adequate accuracy due to
[4][5][6]
the force oscillations (see Figure 1, type I) and the test cannot be evaluated in accordance with
this International Standard. Reducing the test impact velocity is recommended for further testing in
order to increase the number of oscillations preceding fracture.
NOTE Dynamic evaluation methods have been proposed for determining t independently of force
f
measurements, when time to fracture t < 3τ. Examples are the impact response curve method and the crack tip
f
strain gauge method described in Annex C.
7.4 Multiple specimen tests
To determine dynamic J -R curves by multi-specimen techniques, the fracture process is interrupted at
d
a certain stable crack extension Δa and the process is repeated until an adequate number of data points
are available to define the J -R curve. This procedure is described in Annex D.
d
7.5 Single-specimen tests
Several single-specimen techniques have been proposed in the literature to estimate dynamic
J -R curves. However, only the normalization method described in Annex E is supported by this
d
International Standard.
7.6 Post-test crack length measurements
After a test has been performed, the specimen shall be broken open, if necessary, and the fracture
surfaces shall be examined to determine the initial crack length a and the amount of stable crack
extension Δa (if applicable). The measurement of initial crack length and stable or unstable crack
extension (if applicable) shall be performed in accordance with ISO 12135 (nine-point average method).
NOTE 1 For some tests, it may be necessary to mark the extent of stable crack extension before opening the
specimen. Stable crack extension may be marked by heat tinting or by post-test fatiguing. Care is to be taken
to minimize post-test deformation. Cooling materials which exhibit a ductile-to-brittle transition may help to
ensure brittle behaviour during specimen opening.
NOTE 2 In the case of poor contrast between fatigue crack, stable crack, and brittle crack after heat tinting,
when using a microscope for crack length measurement, the use of dark field illumination and/or filters may
be beneficial. Digitizing the fracture surface and subsequently evaluating the digital image by image analysis
software may be advantageous.
The occurrence of irregular crack fronts shall in all cases be reported.
8 Evaluation of fracture mechanics parameters
8.1 The evaluation of fracture toughness parameters depends on the fracture behaviour of the test
specimen as reflected in the force-displacement diagrams described in Table 2. Therefore, the measured
force-displacement or force-time diagram shall be assigned to one of the diagram types shown in Figure 1.
8.2 In the case of unstable fracture as in Figure 1, types I or II, the applicable evaluation method
depends on the oscillations superimposed on the force signal.
8.2.1 If fracture occurs after less than 3 oscillations, i.e. t < 3τ, a reduced impact velocity should be
f
employed for further testing in order to obtain a force signal with reduced oscillations. Alternatively, the
dynamic evaluation methods described in the informative Annex C may be used.
8.2.2 If there are at least three oscillations before fracture occurs, i.e. t ≥ 3τ, fracture toughness (J or
f cd
J ) shall be evaluated using the formulas provided in Annex H. Fracture toughness values obtained shall
ud
be qualified in accordance with Annex G.
8.3 In the case of stable crack extension as in Figure 1, types III or IV, either the multi-specimen method
or the normalization method (single-specimen technique) described in Annexes D and E, respectively,
shall be used to determine the J -R curve. Results obtained shall be qualified in accordance with Annex G.
d
8.3.1 Multi-specimen methods and the corresponding evaluation of J -R curves are described in Annex D.
d
8.3.2 Single-specimen tests require numerical or analytical determinations of the J -Δa R-curve.
d
Several approaches, besides the normalization method described in Annex E, have been proposed, such
[7][8][9] [10][11]
as the basic key curve method and the analytical three-parameter approach. However, only
the normalization method is supported by this International Standard.
8.4 The determination of characteristic fracture toughness values (J or J ) from dynamic
0,2Bd 0,2Bd(10)
crack resistance curves is described in Annex F. Values obtained have to be qualified in accordance
with Annex G.
8 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

8.5 Crack-tip loading rate
Fracture toughness values shall be stated with the corresponding loading rate added in parentheses.
Loading rate may be estimated as follows
dK K
dd
Type I curves: = (4)
dt t
f
dJ J dJ J
dcd dud
Type II curves: = or = (5)
dt t dt t
f f
dJ Fv a
 
dm 0 0
Type III and IV curves: = η (6)
pl 
dt BW −a W
()
 
N 0
8.6 The dynamic yield stress at the relevant strain rate may be required for certain evaluation
procedures and validity checks, and may be determined using ISO 26203-2. The relevant strain rate may
be estimated in accordance with Annex B.
9 Test report
9.1 Organization
The test report shall make reference to this International Standard and shall be comprised of four
parts (see 9.2 to 9.5). Details regarding test material, test specimen, and test conditions, including
test environment, shall be reported as in 9.2. Fatigue cracking is addressed in 9.3, while crack front
straightness and crack length data shall conform to 9.4. Derived fracture parameters shall also be
qualified in accordance with 9.4.
9.2 Specimen, material, and test environment
See I.1.
9.2.1 Specimen description
— identification;
— crack-plane orientation;
— location within product form.
9.2.2 Specimen dimensions
— thicknesses B and B , (mm);
N
— width W, (mm);
— initial relative crack length, a /W.
9.2.3 Material description
— composition and standardized designation code;
— product form (plate, forging, casting, etc.) and condition;
— tensile properties at precracking temperature, referenced or measured;
— tensile properties at the test temperature, referenced or measured.
9.2.4 Test environment
— temperature (°C);
— striker impact velocity (m/s);
— characteristics of test machine used.
9.3 Fatigue precracking conditions
0,5
— K (MPa m );
f
— F (kN);
f
— precracking temperature (°C).
9.4  Test data qualification
9.4.1 Limitations
All data shall meet certain requirements in order to be qualified in accordance with this method. Only
qualified data shall be used to define fracture resistance at impact loading rates according to this method.
The data described in 9.4.2 to 9.4.4 can be assembled in the suggested format presented in Annex I.
9.4.2 Crack length measurements
Measurements shall be made at nine evenly spaced locations across the specimen thickness as
prescribed in 7.6. The following average values, calculated from the measured data, shall be reported:
— the initial machined notch length (a );
m
— the initial crack length to the fatigued notch tip (a );
— the fatigue precrack length (a − a );
0 m
— the final crack length (a );
f
— the average crack extension (Δa = a − a ).
f 0
9.4.3 Fracture surface appearance
— a record of unusual features on the fracture surface;
— a record of the occurrence of unstable crack extension such as cleavage.
9.4.4 Resistance curves
— include data for resistance curves from single-specimen tests in Table I.2.
9.4.5  Checklist for data qualification
The test results shall be considered qualified if they conform to the following criteria:
a) the specimen conforms to the dimensions and tolerances prescribed by ISO 148-1;
b) the test apparatus conforms to the requirements of ISO 148-1, ISO 14566, and Clause 6;
c) the average initial crack length a is within the range 0,30 W to 0,70 W;
d) all parts of the fatigue precrack have extended at least 1,0 mm from the root of the machined notch;
10 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

e) the maximum fatigue precracking force satisfies the requirements of 5.4;
f) none of the seven interior initial crack length measurements differs by more than 0,10 a from the
nine-point average initial crack length;
g) none of the seven interior final crack length measurements differs by more than 0,10 (a + Δa) from
the nine-point average initial crack length;
h) the data number and spacing requirements of Annex G are satisfied for J -Δa curve and J
d 0,2Bd
determinations.
9.5 Test results
The test report shall specify the following fracture parameters determined as:
a) the value of K obtained, if applicable;
Id
b) the value of dK /dt obtained, if applicable;
d
c) the value of J , K , J , or J obtained, if applicable;
cd Jcd ud 0,2Bd
d) the value of dJ /dt obtained, if applicable;
d
e) the type of force-time diagram, with reference to Figure 1, types I to IV;
f) a copy of the test record.
Annex A
(normative)
Test machines suitable for each test procedure
A.1 This Annex gives guidance on the general types of testing machines used to perform the tests detailed
in this International Standard. It shall be noted that not all machines can perform all types of tests.
The reference testing machine is the instrumented Charpy pendulum according to ISO 14556, modified
to have a variable pendulum release position and therefore a variable striking velocity.
Other pendulum machines may be used, with fixed anvil/moving striker or fixed striker/moving anvil
and fixed or moving test specimen. The pendulum release position and therefore the striking velocity
for such machines are normally variable and the striker or anvils are instrumented to provide force-
time or force-displacement records.
A.2 Falling weight testing machines, which may be spring assisted, have no restrictions on impact
velocity or mass of falling weight. The striker shall be instrumented to provide force-time or force-
displacement records.
A.3 High-rate servo-hydraulic test machines may be used to apply force to the specimen, provided
the system is in open-loop mode, optimized by simulation or evaluation of pre-tests, to obtain constant
displacement rate. Care must be taken to ensure that the actuator has reached the desired rate before the
striker impacts the specimen. Striker, anvils, and supports shall meet the requirements of ISO 148-2.
12 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

Annex B
(informative)
Estimation of strain rate
The loading rate in fracture mechanics tests is characterized in terms of the rate of change of a fracture
mechanics quantity with time; e.g. dJ /dt. Usually, the strain rate at the crack tip is not known. The
d
required strength value R at the temperature of the fracture mechanics test has to be determined
pd
in a tensile test at a strain rate that is representative of the fracture mechanics test, recognizing that
R can differ significantly from the quasistatic value R . An approximate equivalent strain rate for the
pd p
[12][13]
fracture mechanics test may be calculated according to Formula (B.1):
2R
dε p
= (B.1)
dt
tE
where R and E are values at the temperature of the fracture mechanics test and corresponding to
p
quasistatic loading rates, and t is the time to fracture in the case of small scale yielding, or the time
interval of the initial linear part of the force-time record in the case of distinct elastic-plastic
material behaviour.
Formula (B.1) provides a general estimate of strain rate values associated with fracture in the test
specimen.
Annex C
(normative)
Dynamic evaluation of fracture toughness
C.1 General
The evaluation of test records and calculation of results varies in detail depending on the particular
test performed. However, all the tests have certain common characteristics involving time to fracture,
force-time, or force-displacement responses. The impact response curve and the crack tip strain gauge
procedures provide accurate and repeatable results.
C.2 Impact response curve method
[14][15][16]
C.2.1 The impact response curve method is a fully dynamic measuring technique. It is
applicable to any test condition, particularly higher impact velocities or low temperatures, and is
applicable to steels only. The procedure is illustrated in Figure C.1. The method is applicable for t ≥ 25 μs.
f
v
M
Impact response
curve
a
S
L
Impact fracture
toughness K
Id
Time to
measured in a
fracture t
f
test experiment
Figure C.1 — Schematic illustration of the impact response curve method
14 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved
dyn
K , MPa√m
I
The leading edge of the force signal marks the beginning of the impact event, t . The time at the onset
o
of crack propagation, t , is determined as described in C.2.2. The time to fracture, t , is the interval
i f
between the two times t and t , see Figure C.2.
i o
C.2.2 A strain gauge is bonded on the specimen, with its centre 1 mm to 2 mm from the fatigue crack
tip and its grid direction perpendicular to the crack as shown in Figure C.2. This strain gauge does not
require calibration.
C.2.3 The strain gauge shall have a grid size of not more than 1,5 mm × 1,5 mm and be bonded preferably
using hot-cured solvent-thinned epoxy adhesive to obtain the thinnest possible glue line. The gauge is
connected to a high frequency response amplifier using the three-wire quarter bridge configuration; the
recommended frequency response is greater than or equal to 1 MHz. Typical gauge energization voltage
is 1 V to 4 V.
Striker force
50 100
Crack tip strain gauge
t
f
Figure C.2 — Typical striker force and crack tip strain gauge signals during impact. The onset of
crack extension is defined as a sudden drop in the gauge signal
[4][5][6]
C.2.4 When there is a sufficiently long time to fracture, t > 3τ, crack initiation is defined as a
f
sudden drop of at least 5 % of the force registered at the instrumented striker, for which a quasistatic
evaluation may be performed in accordance with Annex H. If t ≤ 3τ, then crack initiation is defined as
f
a sudden drop of at least 20 % in the crack tip strain gauge signal and dynamic toughness is evaluated
using the impact response curve method.
dyn [14]
C.2.5 The stress intensity factor - time history, K (t), constitutes the impact response curve.
I
Using the measured t , the impact fracture toughness K is determined as:
f Id
dyn
KK==tt (C.1)
()
Id f
I
−1 −1 −1
Impact response curves for three particular impact velocities v = 2,0 ms , 3,8 ms , and 5,0 ms and
a/W = 0,5 are shown in Figure C.3. The curves scale with velocity.
Voltage, U Voltage, U
CT H
2 m/s
3,8 m/s
5 m/s
Impact response curves
Precracked Charpy specimen
Relative crack length a/W = 0,5
0 100 200 300
dyn −1 −1 −1
Figure C.3 — Impact response curves, K (t), at velocities v = 2,0 ms , 3,8 ms , and 5,0 ms
I 0
for a/W = 0,5
For practical applications use the expression:
dyn
KR= vf t′ (C.2)
()
I
5/2
where the constant R = 301 GN/m and the correction factor f(t′) is found in Table C.1, with
 
a a
   
 
tt′= 10−−,,62 05 +−48,,05 (C.3)
   
W W
     
 
where t is the measured physical time and t′ is a modified time which compensates for variations of the
initial crack length in the range 0,45 < a /W < 0,55. The correction factor is less than 5 % for t > 110 µs,
and thus the f(t′)-correction is limited to t′ ≤ 110 µs (~2τ). f(t′) = t′ for t′ > 110 µs.
16 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved
dyn
K , MPa√m
I
dyn [14][15][16]
Table C.1 — Functions for the determination of K  for 0,45 ≤ a /W ≤ 0,55
I 0
t′ t″ = f(t′) t′ t″ = f(t′) t′ t″ = f(t′)
(µs) (µs) (µs) (µs) (µs) (µs)
0 0 40 45 80 69
2 0 42 46 82 70
4 2 44 47 84 75
6 4 46 46 86 81
8 6 48 45 88 88
10 9 50 45 90 94
12 13 52 46 92 100
14 17 54 49 94 106
16 20 56 53 96 111
18 24 58 57 98 116
20 28 60 61 100 118
22 30 62 65 102 119
24 33 64 69 104 118
26 35 66 72 106 117
28 36 68 73 108 115
30 38 70 73 110 115
32 39 72 72
34 40 74 70
36 42 76 69
38 43 78 68
NOTE This value of the constant R applies for stiff pendulum test devices according to ISO 148-2 with a
−9
machine compliance, C = 8,1 × 10 m/N. If the actual compliance of the test device differs from this value, the
m
resulting influence can be taken into account by multiplying the given value of R by the first-order correction
−9
factor, 1,276/(1 + 0,276 × C × 8,1 × 10 m/N). Procedures for determining the machine compliance of impact
m
test devices are described in References [4] and [14].
C.3 Crack tip stra
...