The Size Effect Law

The Size Effect Law describes how the strength or durability of a material decreases as the size of a crack or flaw increases. In essence, larger flaws make materials more likely to break under less force, because bigger cracks concentrate stress more effectively. This principle helps engineers predict failure by understanding that small imperfections are less dangerous than larger ones. It emphasizes that the material's ability to withstand stress depends on both its properties and the size of flaws within it, guiding safer design and testing practices for structures and components.