Fracture toughness evaluation of thin metal sheets (1-3 mm of thickness), using mechanically notched or fatigue pre-cracked DENT specimens, and thick sheets (>3mm of thickness) by bending tests of fatigue pre-cracked SENB specimens, following fast and affordable methodologies based on the Essential Work of Fracture (EWF). The EWF is the most suitable fracture parameter to rationalise crack-related problems in high-strenght metal sheets, such as edge fracture or crash behaviour.

The main advantage of the EWF method is its relative simplicity compared to standard testing procedures.