ABSTRACT
Recognition of the nature of fracture modes is tied to knowledge of the basic
elements of ductile and brittle behavior. For instance, the effects of temperature
and the state of stress on brittle behavior are related directly to the various modes
of fracture. This information is intended to provide the designer with additional
confidence in developing adequate safeguards against structural failures. This is
particularly timely because of the maturing processes and procedures in linear
elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and because of the increasing need for special
and higher strength engineering materials. It is well known that the increasing
material strength is attained at a sacrifice in ductility and toughness, and we
need all possible skills in designing around such a sacrifice.
