Ductility Defined as Critical Local Strain

A damage mechanics approach can be useful for the fracture prediction of components under complex loading at elevated temperatures. The damage criterion used is based on the ductile properties of the materials. These properties are determined by the dependence of critical local strain on stresses and temperature, and have to be obtained experimentally. The testing equipment and test methods are described. The results of the investigation of the H13 hot work tool steel are included.