FRACTURE PROGRAM MANUAL - dcu.ie · Fracture Mechanics - Fracture Program Instruction Manual ... amount of time required will give the new user a good overview of the features available

Fracture Mechanics - Fracture Program Instruction Manual

Document MA10_1 Date 15/10/08

Phoenix Calibration & Services LtdBrick Kiln Street, Harts Hill, Brierley Hill,

West Midlands, DY5 1JG,

UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. No. +44 (0)1384 480545

Fax No. +44 (0)1384 480602

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: http://www.phoenixcalibration.co.uk

Phoenix Calibration & Services Ltd

.

Trademark acknowledgements

MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

IBM is a trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation


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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................2

2. RUNNING THE PROGRAM - AN EXAMPLE ........................................................................................3

FIGURE 1. THE MAIN SCREEN READY TO RUN A TEST. .........................................................................................4FIGURE 2. THE SPECIMEN SETUP WINDOW............................................................................................................6FIGURE 3. THE RUN SCREEN DISPLAYING THE LOAD AGAINST DISPLACEMENT CURVE. ........................................7FIGURE 4. RE-SCALING THE GRAPH AFTER THE SPECIMEN HAS BROKEN. ..............................................................8FIGURE 5. THE FINAL RESULTS DISPLAY...............................................................................................................9

3. THE MAIN SCREEN.................................................................................................................................10

SAVE SETTINGS AND RETRIEVE SETTINGS..........................................................................................................10FIGURE 6. THE SAVE SETTINGS DIALOGUE BOX. THE RETRIEVE SETTINGS BOX IS SIMILAR. ..............................10RANGES .............................................................................................................................................................11K-DOT - RATE OF INCREASE IN STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR.............................................................................11PART NO. ...........................................................................................................................................................11FILE NAME, FILE PATH, AND CHANGE FILE PATH ..............................................................................................11SPECIMEN TYPE .................................................................................................................................................11EFFECTIVE WIDTH (W) .....................................................................................................................................12THICKNESS (B)..................................................................................................................................................12CRACK LENGTH .................................................................................................................................................12SPAN..................................................................................................................................................................12YOUNG'S MODULUS, E ......................................................................................................................................12CRACK LENGTH .................................................................................................................................................12FINAL COMPLIANCE ...........................................................................................................................................12MORE DATA -> SPECIMEN PARAMETERS..........................................................................................................12FIGURE 7. THE "MORE DATA" SPECIMEN PARAMETERS SCREEN........................................................................13RETRIEVE PRECRACK DATA...............................................................................................................................13RUN TEST BUTTON.............................................................................................................................................13

4. THE MAIN SCREEN MENU BAR ..........................................................................................................15

FILE MENU .........................................................................................................................................................15FEEDBACKS .......................................................................................................................................................15TEST STANDARD MENU......................................................................................................................................15OPTIONS MENU -> DISPLAY COMMS WINDOW...................................................................................................15REFERENCES MENU ...........................................................................................................................................16ABOUT MENU ....................................................................................................................................................16

5. APPENDIX 1 - AN INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS .........................................................................17

6. APPENDIX 2 - AN EXAMPLE RESULTS FILE....................................................................................19


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1. INTRODUCTION

This manual describes the operation of the Phoenix Services Fracture Program which is onepart of a three program suite for Fracture Mechanics testing to standards including BS 7448Part 1 1991. The other two programs in the suite are the Precracking and Analysis programs.The Fracture Program is used to load, to final failure or plastic collapse, a specimen whichhas been precracked using the Precracking Program. The Analysis Program then uses theresults obtained from the first two tests to calculate the opening mode plane fracturetoughness (KIc) critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD), or critical J fracturetoughness values of the specimen.

Although the three programs are designed to work as an integrated suite, each may be used“stand-alone” with data from other sources which provides for maximum flexibility.

The software may be used with either Compact Tension Specimens (CTS) or three-point bendSingle Edge Notch (SEN) specimens.

The Fracture Program graphically displays the load-extension curve as the specimen is takento failure, and has the facility to print the test results and specimen parameters for recordpurposes. The test results data are placed in a standard comma-separated variable (CSV)format ASCII file which may easily be imported into other programs such as spreadsheets,word processors, or data analysis packages. These results can also be imported into theAnalysis part of the Fracture Mechanics suite of programs to produce one final file with all ofthe specimen test results and analysis incorporated.

Working in conjunction with a PS Control System and servo-hydraulic testing machine, theFracture Program is compatible with a wide range of load-frames and extensometry.

All Phoenix Calibration & Services Ltd. applications programs are designed to run within theWindows environment on an IBM compatible personal computer.


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2. RUNNING THE PROGRAM - AN EXAMPLE

The Fracture Program has many possible options which are explained in detail in the sectionswhich follow. In order to familiarise the user with the basic principles of the software, thisexample section describes a typical test which might be performed. While it may notcorrespond exactly to your own testing methods, please read this section carefully. The smallamount of time required will give the new user a good overview of the features available andhow to run the software.

Because the program cannot be used without a specimen which will be damaged by the test,the use of scrap specimens during familiarisation is recommended. Without a specimen theMain Screen parameters may still be entered up to the point at which the test is started.

Once Windows is running, start the program by selecting it from the Start button -> AllPrograms -> Phoenix Services -> FMA Fracture or double clicking the icon in the PhoenixServices folder.

If the Virtual Control Panel (VCP) is already running the Fracture Program will use it tocheck the control system parameters. If VCP is not running it will be started automatically.Since the Fracture Program performs actual tests in conjunction with the testing machine, itwill not run unless it is able to communicate with the control system. For the link to operate,ensure that the “Local / Remote” switch on the back of the control system display unit isswitched to “Remote”. Once a test is running it is essential that this switch is left unchanged.Switching back to local control and changing control system parameters manually (rather thanvia the computer) may mean that the computer software uses incorrect values withconsequent risk of wrong results or damaged specimens.

Once the program is running the computer will spend a few seconds communicating with thecontrol system to check system parameters. Once it has finished, the Main Screen of theFracture Program appears as shown in figure 1 (but without the parameters entered).

Windows programs are almost always used with a pointing device such as a mouse, but theymay also be controlled using the keyboard, and this can sometimes be a faster way to enterparameters. To select parameter entry boxes without a mouse, the tab key can be used toselect each in a repeating sequence. The Main Screen entries will now be described in theorder in which they may be accessed by tabbing. This is not only easier to follow if a mouse isnot available, but it helps to avoid missing an essential parameter. Reference will, however,be made only to mouse operation, e.g. clicking. Users without a mouse should refer toAppendix 1- An Introduction to Windows which explains the use of access keys, tabbing,space bar, and enter keys to select items.

When the Main Screen first appears, the selected button is “Retrieve Settings”. Whenstandard tests are to be performed regularly it is possible to save the settings which are used.These settings may then be recalled using the Retrieve Settings button, avoiding the need tore-enter all the parameters on each occasion that the test is run. . For the purpose of thisexample it is assumed that no suitable settings are saved, and that the Main Screen parameterswill all need to be entered in turn.


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Figure 1. The Main Screen ready to run a test.

The required test standard should be now chosen from the list shown when Test Standard isselected on the menu bar. The current standard is shown on the title bar of the main screen.This determines acceptable parameters for the specimen and test.

The working ranges of the machine need to be selected next. The smallest range should beused which will accomplish the test. This will give the best possible resolution and controlperformance. The user should estimate the required ranges in a similar way, based upon theactual specimen in use, and the ranges available on the control system.

To select ranges, tab to the box below the “Stroke” label (under the “Ranges” label) and usethe up and down arrow keys, or click on the box and use the mouse to select a range. Therange in use will be highlighted, and initially represents the range selected on the controlsystem, which may not be the range required. Select the stroke range, then tab to the strainand load ranges, setting each in turn.

The required “Rate of Increase in Stress Intensity Factor” should be entered next. This shouldbe within the range required by the relevant standard (for example 0.5 - 3.0 Mpa.m½/s for BS7448). Any value outside this range will cause an error message when the test is run.


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Unlike the other parameters shown on the screen the “Part No.” box need not be completed inorder to run a test. The box is provided only for convenience, and any batch, job, or partnumber entered here will be printed at the end of the test.

The “File Name” box in the Results section should be completed with a name to be used forthe test results file. The file extension should not be entered as it is always forced to “.daf”(for data - fracture mechanics). A typical entry in this box might be “example1” to producean output file called “example1.daf”.

By default the “.daf” results files are placed in the “C:\PS\Results” folder. If you wish tochange this, tab to or click on the “Change File Path” button. This will open a dialogue boxwhich will allow the required path to be entered. For this example it is suggested that the userdoes not change the path.

The Fracture Program tests specimens which have already been precracked using the PSPrecracking Program and from which a “.dat” results file will have been produced. In order toappend the results of the Fracture Program to this file (for output as the “.daf” file), it shouldbe loaded by clicking the “Retrieve Precrack Data” button. This opens a dialogue box whichallows the existing results file for the specimen to be selected and loaded. If no precrackingdata is available for the specimen (for example if it has been precracked using some othersystem) it may be entered directly into the Fracture Program via the Main Screen entry boxes.

In order to run a test the specimen mechanical details must be present. If a precrack data filehas been retrieved then these specimen details will be entered automatically from the file. Ifnot, they must be entered by hand. The first information required is the Specimen Type.Either Compact Tension Specimens (“CTS”) or three-point bend Single Edge Notch (“SEN”)specimens may be used, as selected from the drop-down box. The specimen dimensions mustbe entered in the “Width”, “Thickness”, and “Crack Length” boxes. If an SEN type specimenis in use (three-point bend) then the “Span” of the bend fitting will also need to be entered. (Ifthere is any doubt about the orientation or meaning of these dimensions please refer to therelevant standard.)

The button marked “More Data” opens a window which contains specimen parameters whichare not required by the Fracture Program, but will be required by the Analysis Program andwhich may conveniently be entered at this stage. Please refer to section 3 for more details, butfor this example the “More Data” button may be ignored.

The “Final Compliance” figure is that achieved at the end of the precracking test, and isrequired by the Analysis Program. If a Precracking Program results file has been retrieved thisvalue will be entered automatically.

The Main Screen now has all the information required in order to run a test, and to avoidhaving to enter the values again they should be saved. Click the “Save Settings” button, entera file name in the “File Name” box, then click “OK”. These settings may now be recalled at alater date. Fracture Program settings are saved with a “.sef” extension.

To run the test click the “Run Test” button. If the results file which has been specified for thetest already exists the program will prompt the user to overwrite the old file. Answering “No”


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will allow the user to return to the Main Screen where the file name may be changed. For thisexample answer “Yes” to the file overwrite prompt (if it appears).

The next message will prompt the user to turn the pressure on. At this stage the pump is notrunning on the machine, so answering “OK” to this message will start it. This prompt isprovided as a safety measure to permit anybody close to the machine to be warned that thetest is about to start. (If the machine has been left running with pressure already on, thismessage will not appear.)

The References table now appears, and may be completed with information about the test andthe specimen. None of the references are necessary in order to proceed with the test, they areprovided only for record purposes. For this example just click “OK”.

Figure 2. The specimen setup window.

The Run Screen now appears briefly, and this will display the load/strain graph as the testprogresses. When the Run Screen first appears it soon displays the Specimen Setup pop-upwindow which allows the actuator to be positioned in order to fit the specimen (figure 2).Clicking the button marked (or pressing the F9 key) will move the grips apart, whileclicking the button marked (or pressing the F10 key) will move the grips closer together.In either case the actuator will continue to move at the rate specified in the “Rate” box untilthe “Stop” button is operated (or the F11 key is pressed) or the load limiter feature operates.Note that if the actuator is still opening or closing, clicking “OK” only stops the actuator. Asecond click is necessary to continue running the test. It is also possible at this stage to tare-off (i.e. make the reading zero) the measured value of load.


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The next message to be displayed prompts the user to fit the clip-gauge extensometer to thespecimen. Clicking the “Cancel” button will abort the test and return to the Main (startup)Screen, clicking “No” will return to the specimen setup window to allow the actuator to bepositioned. Click “Yes” to continue with the test.

Clicking OK on the Specimen Setup box removes it, leaving the Run Screen, on which theload/extension curve will be displayed as the test progresses. Initially the screen shows threecontrol buttons, Start Test, Re-scale, and Abort Test. At the top left of the screen the K-dotvalue is shown. Any last-minute changes could be made by clicking the “Abort Test” buttonwhich will return the user to the Main Screen. The “Re-scale” button allows the graphicaldisplay scaling to be altered, but for this example just click the “Start Test” button.

Figure 3. The Run Screen displaying the load against displacement curve.

The loading phase of the test now begins (figure 3), with the specimen being loaded in stroke(displacement) control. The test may be paused at any time by clicking the “HALT” button,and may then be continued or aborted (which will cause the specimen to be unloaded, andthen the program will return to the Main Screen).

The test will continue until the specimen breaks, then stop and a message will be displayedrequesting the user to remove the specimen. (This Remove Specimen pop-up window is thesame as the Specimen Setup window shown in figure 2.)

To continue after the specimen has been removed, click the “OK” button. The screen thendisplays the final graph of the test data with control buttons to Re-scale or Continue. The Re-


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scale button opens a scaling box with a scroll bar which allows the user to change the loadaxis scaling (figure 4). Once the display has been re-scaled, (if required) click the Continuebutton.

Figure 4. Re-scaling the graph after the specimen has broken.

The final graph is re-displayed on the screen as shown in figure 5. The option to print a hardcopy is given at this stage, after which the program returns to the Main Screen ready foranother test.


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Figure 5. The final results display.


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3. THE MAIN SCREEN

This section describes the features of the Main Screen (figure 1) in detail, with the exceptionof the menu bar which is dealt with in section 4.

Save Settings and Retrieve SettingsWhen standard tests are to be performed regularly it is possible to save the settings which areused. These settings may then be recalled using the “Retrieve Settings” button on the MainScreen, avoiding the need to re-enter all the parameters on each occasion that the test is run.

It is necessary for all parameters, except the part number and results file details, to be enteredbefore Save Settings can be used.

Clicking the “Save Settings” or “Retrieve Settings” button opens a standard file managementdialogue box (figure 6) which contains four main subsections. The “Drives” and the “Savefile as type” boxes both have a downward pointing triangle button at their right hand end.Clicking on this button will produce a drop-down list of the available options, and any ofthose options may be selected by clicking on them. The disk drive which is selected may beseen both within the Drives box, and also as part of the full path specified just below theFolders title. (For users who are not familiar with files, folders (or directories) and the way inwhich they are organised into trees, please refer to your Windows instruction manual.)

The “Folders” box shows part of the folder and file structure on the drive which has beenselected. Only the route to the folder which is open is shown, plus its sub-folders. The folderselection is changed by double clicking on the required folder name. If the “C” drive rootfolder is selected, all folders in the root folder will be displayed. In this way the requiredfolder may be quickly accessed, and the files within that folder will be listed in the box below“File name”.

Figure 6. The Save Settings dialogue box. The Retrieve Settings box is similar.


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The box below the File name box displays the files within the selected folder which have theextension shown in the “Save file as type” or “List files as type” box. It is normal practice forFracture Program settings files to be saved with a “.sef” extension. Clicking on one of thefiles shown will place that file name in the File name box, or a new file name plus extensionmay be typed in.

RangesThe smallest working ranges should be used which will accomplish the test. This will give thebest possible resolution and control performance. The user should estimate the requiredranges based upon the actual specimen in use, and the ranges available on the control system.

To select ranges, tab to the box below the “Stroke” label (under the “Ranges” label) and usethe up and down arrow keys, or click on the box and use the mouse to select a range. Therange in use will be highlighted. Select the stroke range, then tab to the strain and load ranges,setting each in turn.

K-dot - Rate of Increase in Stress Intensity FactorThe “K-dot” value is the rate at which the controlling value of stress intensity factor willincrease during the loading phase of the test and should be within the relevant range (0.5 to3.0 for BS 7448).

Part No.Unlike the other parameters shown on the Main Screen, the “Part No.” box need not becompleted in order to run a test. The box is provided only for convenience, and any batch,job, or part number entered here will be printed at the end of the test.

The Part Number is also shown in the References Table, and may be entered from theReferences Menu (see Section 4).

File Name, File path, and Change File PathThe “Results File Name” box should be completed with a name to be used for the test resultsfile. The file extension should not be entered as it is always forced to “.daf” (for data -fracture).

By default the “.daf” results files are placed in the “C:\PS\Results” folder. If you wish tochange this, tab to or click on the “Change File Path” button. This will open a dialogue boxwhich will allow the required path to be entered. If a Precracking Program “.dat” results file isretrieved prior to running the test, the “.daf” file will incorporate the data from it. An exampleof a data file is shown in the appendix.

Specimen TypeThe PS Precracking Program may be used either with compact (CTS) or three-point bend(SEN) specimens as selected from the drop-down box. If an SEN type specimen is in use thenthe Span of the bend fitting will need to be entered in addition to the specimen Width andThickness.


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Effective Width (W)

Thickness (B)

Crack LengthFor specific details of how these dimensions are defined please refer to the relevant standardas they vary with specimen type. As a general reminder, however, the Effective Width (W) ofthe specimen is measured in the direction in which the crack is to be grown, the Thickness orBreadth (B) is measured in the direction along the crack tip or notch end.

SpanThis parameter may only be entered if a three point bend type specimen is selected, in whichcase this dimension is the distance between the supporting rollers of the specimen fitting.

Young's Modulus, EThe value of Young's Modulus for the material under test should be entered in this box.

Crack LengthThe final crack length at the end of the precracking part of the test should be entered. If aPrecracking Program results file has been recalled, this value will be retrieved with the data,and so will not need to be entered manually.

Final ComplianceThe final value of specimen compliance measured during the precracking part of the testshould be entered. If a Precracking Program results file has been recalled, this value will beretrieved with the data, and so will not need to be entered manually.

More Data -> Specimen ParametersClick the button marked “More Data” to open a window with further specimen parameters(figure 7). All of these values are optional within the Fracture Program (although they areessential to the Analysis Program), however the user is recommended to enter them into theFracture Program if possible. If these values are entered, they will be available to the AnalysisProgram via the “.daf” results file which it can import. If the values are not entered within theFracture Program they may alternatively be entered later when running the Analysis Program.


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Figure 7. The "More Data" specimen parameters screen.

Retrieve Precrack DataClicking the “Retrieve Precrack Data” button opens a standard Windows file managementdialogue box from which a “.dat” results file (generated by the Precracking Program) may beretrieved. If such a file is available, many of the parameters required by the Fracture Programwill be inserted on the screen automatically when the file is retrieved. This is the normal wayin which the Fracture Program is used in conjunction with the PS Precracking Program. If theprecracking has been performed manually or using third-party software, all of the requiredparameters may still be entered by hand.

For convenience the name of the retrieved data file is shown on the screen underneath thebutton. Precracking Program data files always have a “.dat” extension, and are normally savedin the “C:\PS\Results” folder.

Run Test buttonThe test may be run only if the Main Screen parameters have all been entered (only PartNumber is optional). If the screen is incomplete or an invalid parameter has been entered a


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suitable warning message will be displayed when the “Run Test” button is clicked, and thetest will not be run.


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4. THE MAIN SCREEN MENU BAR

The following section describes the features to be found on the pull-down menus at the top ofthe Fracture Program Main Screen (figure 1).

Users who wish to access the menu bar without a mouse should note that the “Alt+key”access keys which may be used within the main part of the screen do not give access to themenu bar. To reach the menu bar use the function key F10. Once the menu bar is accessed,the menu selection may be made either by pressing a short-cut key (e.g. “F” to access the Filemenu) or by using the cursor keys.

File menuThe file drop-down menu contains only one option, which is “Exit”.

FeedbacksClicking on the Feedbacks menu displays a window with the stroke, strain and load feedbacksin real-time. This facility is mainly provided as a quick visual check that system connectionsare correctly made, or that the actuator has been positioned as required during test setup.

When the feedbacks menu is opened a message box appears which allows the program to re-read the control system ranges. This is provided in the event that the control system has beenswitched off-line and ranges changed manually. This Check Ranges facility allows theprogram to re-establish that it is using the correct parameters.

To remove the feedbacks display window simply click the “OK” button (or press “SPACE”or “ENTER”).

(Note that the control system displays feedbacks and maximum measured values at differentrates to the computer display, therefore there will sometimes be differences between the twodisplays, especially if the values are changing. The difference between the displayed valuesfor steady-state conditions should not exceed the tolerances permitted during calibration ofthe equipment. If the difference is outside tolerance levels the board within the computer maybe adjusted. The control system data acquisition system may not be adjusted.

It is important to realise that any monitoring or test equipment connected to the controlsystem Transducer Monitor BNC connectors should have input impedances in excess of 50 kohms as low impedance devices may corrupt the readings obtained by the computer.)

Test Standard menuThe “Test Standard” menu allows the user to select which standard the test is to be performedwith. Choices include BS 7448, ASTM E 399, ASTM E 647 and ASTM E 813. This governswhat range of values for certain parameters are acceptable and what type of specimen may beused.

Options menu -> Display Comms WindowThis option is a diagnostic tool provided for PS engineers. Turning the option on will open awindow which displays communications messages between the computer and the controlsystem. To remove the window, close it from the Options menu by re-clicking the feature.


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References MenuThe References Table contains important test details such as material specification etc. whichmay be entered by the user and printed with the results at the end of the test. To enter valuesinto the table, select the Setup option from the References Menu. This will open the table fortext entry. When the values have been entered, click the OK button. Entering any informationinto the references table is optional.

To print a copy of the references table to the printer, select the Print option from theReferences pull-down menu.

About MenuThe About Menu displays a box containing the Fracture Program version number, as well asinformation to help the user to contact Phoenix Calibration & Services Ltd.in the event of aquery.


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5. APPENDIX 1 - AN INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS

All Phoenix Calibration & Services Ltd. applications programs are designed to run within theWindows environment on an IBM compatible personal computer. This instruction manualdoes not assume a working knowledge of Windows, however the user is urged to read theWindows documentation for complete information, as only the basic details are given here.For users new to the Windows environment the following is a glossary of important termsused:-

Mouse pointer - a pointing device on the screen which is moved using the mouse. Mostoperations within Windows are achieved by pointing to parts of the screen and pressing thebuttons on the mouse. The shape of the mouse pointer will change as it points to differentobjects. The normal pointer is an arrow which points upwards and slightly left. When thepointer is placed in a text entry box it changes to an I-beam (similar to a capital I). When thecomputer is performing some action which requires it to suspend mouse operationtemporarily (when reading or writing a file to disk for example), the pointer changes to anhourglass.

Click - the action of pressing the mouse buttons is usually known as “clicking”, not“pressing”, as it is a momentary press (click) which is usually used. The expressions “leftclick” or “right click” refer to clicking the left or right buttons on the mouse. Most operationsuse the left mouse button, so “click” usually means left click.

Double-click - is to click the mouse button twice in quick succession. This is a specific actionquite distinct from clicking the mouse button twice with an interval between. If the user hasdifficulty in clicking fast enough, the double-click response speed may be changed fromwithin the Windows Control Panel. Please refer to your Windows manual.

Edit cursor - also known as the Insertion Bar. Entering text or numerical values is oftenachieved by placing the mouse pointer over the box where the parameter appears, thenselecting the value for editing by left clicking. This places an edit cursor at the point wherethe editing will take place. The edit cursor is in the form of a vertical flashing bar. Thebackspace and delete keys may be used while editing.

Tabbing - instead of pointing and clicking on parameter entry boxes or buttons using themouse, it is possible to use the tab key to make a selection. Tabbing selects the parameters ina repeating sequence, and using Shift+Tab reverses the sequence. The item which is selectedis identified either by the presence of the edit cursor, or by a dotted box. If the selected item isa button it may then be operated by pressing the space bar on the keyboard. Regardless of theselection there is usually a button which has a bold outline. This is known as the DefaultButton and may be operated by using the ENTER key even when it is not currently selected.

Greyed-out - when the operation of a button is inhibited for some reason its colour andoutline are made grey. Clicking on a greyed-out button will not cause it to operate.

Access keys - A title or label may have one character underlined. The keystrokeAlt+character will select the parameter, for example to select a box titled “Mode”, press theM key while holding down the Alt key. Some types of data entry box contain a button with adownward pointing triangle (!). This may be operated by pressing Alt+down-arrow which


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will open a drop-down box of possible options for that parameter. The up and down arrowkeys may then be used to highlight an option which is then selected by tabbing away from thebox or pressing Alt+down-arrow again.

Menu bar - at the top of the working window is a strip (bar) containing menu names. If themouse is positioned on one of the menu names and the left button clicked, a drop-down menuappears. To select an option from a drop-down menu, click on the option. Alternatively, placethe mouse pointer over the menu to select it, press the left mouse button and hold it downwhile pulling the mouse down to the required option. The option is selected when the mousebutton is released.

Short-cut keys - the menus on the menu bar also have underlined characters, but are notaccessed using the “Alt+character” method. Instead, pressing F10 will select the menu bar,then the underlined short-cut keys or the left and right cursor keys may be used to select therequired menu. Short-cut keys select and open a menu directly, the cursor key methodrequires the ENTER key to be pressed to open the selected menu. Once open, use the up ordown cursor keys to make a selection (followed by ENTER), or just press an underlinedshort-cut key. To cancel the selection process press the escape key.


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6. APPENDIX 2 - AN EXAMPLE RESULTS FILE

The following is an example of a “ .daf” results file generated by the Fracture Program:-

“FRACTURE”“5919 v3.3”“MYPREC.DAF”“03/02/98 (dd/mm/yy)”5,19,25 (For PS use)“Number 1”“Test Ref.”“Description”1 (Quantity)“Order No.”“Material Spec.”“Heat Treatment”“Code Mark”“Specimen Type:”“CTS”“Design Type:”“Compact”“Effective Width (W) mm:”26“Thickness (B) mm:”12“Span (if applicable) mm:”0“Notch Length mm:”9“Requested Final a/W:”.5“Requested R Ratio:”.1“Requested Initial K Factor:”40“Fixed”“”“”“”“”“Precracking Frequency Hz:”10“Sub-sized or Side Grooved:”“No”“Crack Plane:”


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“X-Y”“Stepped Notch:”“No”“Total Width (C) mm:”32.5“Outward-pointing Attached Knife Edges:”“Yes”“Razor Blades:”“No”“Knife Edge Thickness mm:”2“Poisson's Ratio:”.3“Precracking Temperature:”20“Young's Modulus:”210000“0.2% Proof Strength (Precracking Temperature):”480“Tensile Strength (Precracking Temperature):”500“PRECRACKING RESULTS”“Final a/W:”.502“Final Crack Length:”13.049“Final Compliance (mm/kN):”.02273“Final K Factor:”40“Final Peak Load (kN):”12.29“Final R Ratio:”.097“Final Cycle Count:”16252“FRACTURE REFS”"Test Standard:""BS 7448"“Requested Rate of Increase in Stress Int. Factor (K-dot) Mpa.m½/s:”2“Test Temperature (C):”20“0.2% Proof Strength (Test Temperature):”480


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“FRACTURE DATA”“No. of Logs: 239”“Time (s )”,“Stroke (mm)”,“Strain (mm)”,“Load (kN)”, “( )”0,-.371,0,.073,02.1,-.356,.003,.159,05.4,-.322,.007,.305,011,-.308,.011,.403,0181.9,.635,.015,.464,0186.6,.664,.018,.623,0190.1,.679,.022,.732,0196.4,.708,.026,.916,0

(NOT ALL DATA IS SHOWN)456.6,2.056,.953,22.473,0457.2,2.065,.957,22.412,0458.3,2.08,.961,22.412,0459,2.065,.966,22.375,0460.1,2.08,.97,22.388,0460.9,2.09,.974,22.375,0461.4,2.07,.978,22.4,0461.9,2.09,.981,22.375,0462.4,2.085,.985,22.437,0463,2.1,.989,22.375,0463.5,2.1,.994,22.388,0464.2,2.104,.999,22.363,0580.3,2.827,1,15.906,0“FRACTURE RESULTS”“Peak Load kN:”22.852


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