The course provides an introduction to the concepts of fracture mechanics and covers theoretical concepts as well as the basics of experimental and computational methods. Both linear and non-linear fracture mechanics are covered, adopting the stress and the energetic viewpoints. A basic overview of fatigue and dynamic fracture is also given.
Objective
To acquire the basic concepts of fracture mechanics in theory, numerics and experiments, and to be able to apply them to the solution of relevant problems in solid and structural mechanics.
Content
1. Introduction: damage and fracture mechanisms, brittle and ductile fracture, stress concentrations, weak and strong singularities. 2. Linear elastic fracture mechanics: the stress approach, the energy approach, mixed-mode fracture, size effects. 3. Elasto-plastic fracture mechanics: small-scale yielding, crack tip opening displacement, J integral. 4. Basics of experimental methods in fracture mechanics. 5. Basics of computational methods in fracture mechanics: finite element techniques, cohesive zone models, phase field modeling. 6. Overview of additional topics: fatigue, dynamic fracture, environmental cracking.
Lecture notes
Lecture notes will be provided. However, students are encouraged to take their own notes.
Prerequisites / Notice
Mechanics 1, 2, and Dynamics.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course