Moore, Stephenson, Whale
Materials and their Characteristics # 1982 York
Short term tests For the evaluation of the toughness of UPVC pipe materials have been examined. A combination of fracture toughness (a fracture mechanics parameter) and tensile yield stress provide an assessment of toughness. These tests have been applied to commercial pipe samples and to laboratory extruded strip. A number of Factors influence the test results, including time and temperature d*pendence, processing level and molecular weight. The extent of ductility at the tip of the crack and the geometry of the specimen must be considered together to ensure a valid plane strain fracture toughness value.