Course content

The topic covers fundamentals and applications of fracture mechanics. The fundamental concepts includes linear and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics and dynamic fracture. Models for ductile and brittle fracture in metals are presented. The applications includes fracture toughness testing of metals and failure assessment strategies in order to predict the failure of structures. High priority is given to computational fracture mechanics, and a course in computational mechanics on the FE code ABAQUS is included as an important part of the topic. Reports and presentations from ABAQUS constitutes 25% of the final mark. Weekly exercises and the ABAQUS calculations are integrated with the lessons.

Learning outcome

1) To obtain a fundamental understanding of fracture mechanics
-linear elastic fracture mechanics.
-elastic-plastic fracture mechanics.
-dynamic fracture mechanics.
-brittle and ductile fracture.
-failure assessment.
-computational fracture mechanics.
2)Learn to apply fracture mechanics in the failure assessment of structures and products. This includes application of the FE program ABAQUS.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, execises and finite element course on ABAQUS for fracture mechanics calculations. Please visit the home-page for updated information: http://www.immtek.ntnu.no/und/fag/TMM4160/. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian
take the course. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

T. L. Anderson: Fracture Mechanics. Fundamentals and Applications, CRC Press, 2005.

Credit reductions