The fracture resistance of flake graphite cast iron

Abstract

The application of fracture mechanics to flake graphite cast iron is considered and it is shown that the fracture resistance can be characterized in terms o f a fracture toughness (K_Ic) parameter. The micromechanism of fracture is illustrated and the fracture resistance is shown to be controlled by the form and distribution of the graphite and by the strength of the steel-like matrix.