摘要 |
Instrumentation for monitoring crack growth using a change in electric potential across a starter crack as the crack propagates is disclosed. The instrumentation includes a specimen of a material to be analyzed for crack growth propagation having a surface with a starter crack formed therein, a plurality of current leads to pass electric current through the specimen, a layer of insulating material disposed on each of opposite sides of the crack, a layer of conductive material disposed on each layer of insulating material, where a portion of each layer of conductive material is in electrical contact with the first specimen surface, and a pair of sensing leads, one sensing lead attached to each layer of conductive material. A method for using the instrumentation to monitor crack growth by measuring is also disclosed.
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