Repeatability and Reproducibility of the Master Curve Approach Standardized in ASTM E1921

Published

November 11, 2025

Author(s)

Enrico Lucon

Abstract

Thirteen large fracture toughness datasets, containing test results obtained in the ductile-to-brittle transition region, have been mined from the open literature and statistically analyzed to obtain repeatability and reproducibility information, which will be added to the Precision and Bias section in a future revision of the ASTM E1921 section (Master Curve approach). Test results were generated by testing both Compact Tension, C(T), and Single-Edge Bend, SE(B) specimens, with thicknesses ranging from 4 mm to 101.6 mm for C(T) and from 10 mm to 101.6 for SE(B). The repeatability and reproducibility statistics, calculated in accordance with ASTM E177 and ASTM E691, do not appear to depend on the specimen/loading configuration (C(T) vs SE(B)) or on the specimen thickness. The calculated standard deviations and corresponding limits were found to be quite consistent across all the examined scenarios (intralaboratory and interlaboratory datasets, single- and multi-temperature Master Curve analyses).

Citation

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

ASTM E1921, ductile-to-brittle transition region, fracture toughness, Master Curve, repeatability, reproducibility

Citation

Lucon, E. (2025), Repeatability and Reproducibility of the Master Curve Approach Standardized in ASTM E1921, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=960675 (Accessed January 9, 2026)