Statistical Analysis of Bending Strengths for Brittle Solids: A Multiaxial Fracture Problem

A general approach for the statistical analysis of brittle fracture under tensile multiaxial stress states was evaluated for a fracture criterion based on recent concepts of noncoplanar crack extension. The resultant failure expressions were applied to bend tests and used to interpret experimental results obtained with porcelain cylinders. Implications for the interpretation of bending tests and some important trends in the failiire strength with specimen size are discussed.