Fracture Mechanics: An Engineering Primer

Michael Janssen; Jan Zuidema; Russell Wanhill

doi:10.59490/tb.86

Fracture Mechanics: An Engineering Primer

Authors

Michael Janssen

Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Jan Zuidema

Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Russell Wanhill

National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59490/tb.86

Keywords: Fracture Mechanisms, Fracture Toughness, Failure Assessment, Fatigue, Sustained Load Fracture

Synopsis

In this second edition, which is the result of numerous revisions, updates and additions, the authors cover the basic concepts of fracture mechanics for both the linear elastic and elastic-plastic regimes. The fracture mechanics parameters K, G, J and CTOD are treated in a basic manner along with the test methods to determine critical values. The development of failure assessment based on elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is reflected in a comprehensive treatment.

Three chapters are devoted to the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth. Fatigue crack growth is extensively treated and attention is paid to the important topic of the initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks. Furthermore, sustained load fracture and dynamic crack growth are discussed, including various test techniques, e.g. the determination of the crack arrest toughness.

Finally, there are two chapters dealing with mechanisms of fracture and the ways in which actual material behaviour influences the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth.

This textbook is intended primarily for engineering students. It will be useful to practising engineers as well, since it provides the background to several test and design methods and to criteria for material selection.

Author Biographies

Michael Janssen, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Michael Janssen is a former teachers of Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue and Fractography at Delft University of Technology and performed fracture-related research on various materials.

Jan Zuidema, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Jan Zuidema is a former teachers of Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue and Fractography at Delft University of Technology and performed fracture-related research on various materials.

Russell Wanhill, National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR)

Russell Wanhill is an emeritus principal research scientist from the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre. His main interests are the fatigue and fracture properties of aerospace alloys and corrosion and cracking mechanisms in ancient metals