Calculating fracture toughness involves conducting standardized tests (e.g., ASTM E399) on notched specimens under controlled loading conditions. From the measured load-displacement data, key parameters such as energy release rate and stress intensity factor are determined. Fracture toughness, a material property that represents its resistance to crack propagation, is then derived using these parameters. Advanced analysis methods, such as finite element analysis (FEA), can supplement experimental testing by providing detailed stress and strain distributions, enabling more comprehensive fracture assessment in complex engineering structures.
