MTE3505

Fracture and fracture mechanics

(ENG)

4 points + 2 lectures per week plus tutorials + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: MTE2504 or MTE2514

Synopsis: Micromechanics of brittle and ductile fracture. Void and crack nucleation and growth. Stress intensity factor. Thermodynamic approach to failure. Crack tip plasticity. Plane stress/plane strain. Fracture toughness testing in practice: thickness effects, test-piece geometry, testing procedures; impact testing. Statistical fracture mechanics. Notch strengthening. Energy absorption in materials. Design of structures using fracture toughness. Fractography. Deformation maps. Creep failure.

Assessment: Practicals: 15% + Tutorials and case studies: 65% + Assignment: 20%