Fracture toughness measurement using image correlation methods

The J-integral is a fundamental parameter in fracture mechanics. Traditional methods for measuring the J-integral rely on complex instrumentation or complex loading and unloading sequences. This thesis explores the potential application of digital image correlation (DIC) as a novel technique for calculating the J-integral. DIC is a non-contact optical method that provides full-field displacement and strain measurements with high spatial resolution. By capturing the strain field around the crack tip, DIC can enable direct evaluation of the J-integral with simpler instrumentation and loading sequences.