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Fracture Markings in Polymethyl Methacrylate

Nature volume 182, pages 132–133 (1958)Cite this article

Abstract

THE surface markings on the fracture surfaces of glass and plastics show that the fracture is discontinuous and that patterns are formed through secondary initiations ahead of the main fracture front which unite to form the completed fracture surface1–3. Intersection of an isolated secondary fracture with the main crack front usually produces a parabolic marking2,4. Such centres of secondary initiation are microcracks, stress-raising discontinuities, or inclusions. New evidence has been obtained of the importance of such flaws in fracture behaviour and patterning in polymethyl methacrylate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Prosthetics, Turner Dental School, Manchester, 15

    D. C. SMITH

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  1. D. C. SMITH
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SMITH, D. Fracture Markings in Polymethyl Methacrylate. Nature 182, 132–133 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/182132a0

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