Griffith criterion
Definition
The energy-balance condition derived by A.A. Griffith in 1921: a crack extends when the elastic strain energy released per unit area of new crack surface equals the surface energy required to create it. This explains brittle fracture at stresses far below the theoretical strength.
Related terms
- Elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM)
- The extension of fracture mechanics to ductile materials where significant plasticity occurs before fracture. The J-integral and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD)...
- Fracture toughness (K_IC)
- The critical stress intensity factor measured under plane-strain conditions. It is a material property representing the maximum K a component can tolerate...
- Linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)
- The branch of fracture mechanics valid when the plastic zone at the crack tip is small relative to the crack length and...
- Plane stress vs. plane strain
- In thin sections the crack-tip region contracts freely in the thickness direction (plane stress), giving higher apparent toughness. In thick sections that...
- Stress intensity factor (K)
- A parameter, in MPa√m, describing the amplitude of the stress field near a crack tip for a given geometry and load. When...
Explained in
- Fracture Mechanics FundamentalsThe energy-balance condition derived by A.A. Griffith in 1921: a crack extends when the elastic strain energy released per unit area of new crack surface equal...