Fatigue Fracture of Solids. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

A comprehensive introduction to the linear elastic fracture mechanics covering the basics of linear elasticity, crack-tip stress, displacement, and strain fields; energetics of fracture; and fracture toughness testing. This will be followed by a brief introduction to plasticity and elastic-plastic fracture parameters such as J-integral. The state-of-the-art in fracture mechanics, such as cohesive zone models and fracture of emerging materials (e.g., battery materials), will be discussed along with the mechanisms of fracture and toughening in various materials. The course will include assignments and a group project where students undertake critical review of a peer reviewed journal paper on a fracture topic (approved by instructor).