Mini-C(T) specimens for Master Curve analysis of structural steels operating within their ductile-to-brittle transition region

This work uses mini-C(T) specimens, validated on nuclear steel grades, to characterize the fracture behavior of structural steels. Mini-C(T) specimens are significantly smaller (4 mm thick) than conventional fracture specimens and allow testing a large number of specimens with limited material. The research involves four common structural steels (S275JR, S355J2, S460M and S690Q), and involves testing, ASTM E1921 application and fractographical analyses. Findings demonstrate that mini-C(T) specimens effectively capture the fracture behavior of structural steels, providing reasonable T₀ values. Results show a difference of about ±30 °C comparing mini-C(T) and conventional specimens, suggesting the potential of mini-C(T) specimens for T₀ characterization.