This new ASTM manual introduces the concept of the Master Curve Method so it can be understood and used by engineers who have had limited exposure to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics and/or advanced statistical methods. It addresses the practical design-related problem of defining the ductile-to-brittle fracture transition temperature of structural steels directly in terms of fracture mechanics data.

Topics cover:
• Background and historical aspects
• Data validity requirements imposed on test data, and the number of data required to constitute a statistically useable data set for determining a reference temperature, T_o
• Test specimens that can be used to develop valid K_Jc
• Fixturing and test equipment needs
• Preparation of specimens (precracking and side-grooving) for testing
• Test machines, their mode of operation, and recommended specimen loading rates
• All of the information needed to calculate values of K_Jc
• Scale parameter statistical equations for material testing
• Second option for calculating the T_o temperature that is useable when K_Jc data have been generated at various test temperatures
• How the variability of K_Jc values is handled using the three-parameter Weibull model
• Information on concepts under study
• Brief discussion of important considerations involved in directly applying Master Curve fracture toughness data to the fracture-safety analysis of actual structures