Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To develop an understanding of fracture processes and cracking of metal structures; to develop skills in assessing structural integrity against fracture under dynamic load and in the assessment of cumulative fatigue damage and fatigue life.
Synopsis Types of fractures; stress concentration and stress intensity; principles of fracture mechanics; fracture toughness; brittle fracture; environmental effects; application to low alloy and quench and tempered steels; defects and notch effects. Fatigue and fracture; models of fatigue resistance; cumulative damage; determination of stress history; fatigue reliability. Applications to cranes, bridges and offshore structures; codes of practice; reliability; inspection and management; quality control; design detailing; laboratory studies.
Assessment Examination (3 hours): 60% + Assignments and seminars: 40%