Validation of Enhanced Normalization as an improvement over the Normalization and Compliance Ratio methods

Fracture toughness testing of ductile materials can be difficult in situations where it is not possible to measure crack extension during the test. The Normalization method is typically used to infer crack extension and generate the tearing resistance curve. Evidence is provided that the Normalization method can produce elevated tearing resistance curves for some alloys. An Enhanced Normalization method is proposed that builds on the good features of Normalization and addresses its shortcomings. Experimental validation of this new approach is presented for an A336 steel forging and an HY-100 weld, and results are compared with current methods.