A review of fracture toughness transferability with constraint and stress gradient

In this review paper, only constraint and stress gradient approaches to transferability of fracture toughness are examined. The different constraint parameters are defined and discussed, and one example is given in each case. Factors that influence the constraint are studied. Special attention is given to the actual trends to use the plastic constraint in the material failure master curve and the material transition temperature master curve. The paper also deals on the influence of T stress on the crack path and out-of-plane constraint and on the influence of thickness on fracture toughness. The uses of plasticity with gradient and the relative stress gradient in local fracture approaches are also examined.