A DIRECT METHOD OF MEASURING BRIDGING STRESSES

A direct method of measuring bridging stresses using a double-notched plate (DNP) specimen is developed. Bridging stresses are measured via the stable fracture of the DNP specimen using the bridging stabilizer developed in this study. The opening displacement of the fracture surf aces can be evaluated from the deformation of the bridging stabilizer and the DNP specimen. As an example of the application, the bridging s tresses of polycrystalline alumina are measured under monotonic load. The bridging characteristics that have been measured using the present method are compared with those obtained,ia the other methods.