A Review of Historic Studies of Crystal Plasticity and Fracture Toughness

The mechanical behaviour of materials, including plastic deformation and fracture, is a key issue that is directly related to the strength and safety of mechanical structures. This paper reviews historic research on crack and dislocation theories, focusing on the pioneering contributions of Alan Arnold Griffith, Sir. Geoffrey Ingram Taylor, Keiji Yamaguchi and George Rankine Irwin during the early to mid-20th century. Particular attention is paid to Taylor’s work, highlighting the close relationship between dislocation and crack theories, and their significance in the interdisciplinary field of materials science and solid mechanics.