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

Knowledge:
- Advanced knowledge about fundamental theories of fracture mechanics.
- Advanced understanding for the application of fracture mechanics in practice.
- Detailed knowledge within FE based modeling of fracture.

Skills:
- Derive fracture mechanics theories and evaluate the results.
- Perform fracture mechanical analysis and solve problems of engineering interests.
- Perform fracture mechanics calculations based on FE codes.

General competence:
- General competence within fundamental and applied fracture mechanics.
- Good background for performing computations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, execises and finite element course on ABAQUS for fracture mechanics calculations. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. If the teaching is given in English the Examination papers will be given in English only. Students are free to choose Norwegian or English for written assessments. 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, 2004.

Credit reductions