3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Upper Division
The failure and fracture of materials under applied stress are the focal points of this course, with particular emphasis on the material characteristics that influence fracture. The initial subjects covered in this course will include introductions to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and elastic plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM). Subsequently, the strength and toughness of metals, ceramics, and polymers will be explored with regard to processing property relationships and microstructure. Special topics will include fracture mechanism maps, Weibull statistics, toughening mechanisms, and failure analysis. This course is distinct from a course on fracture mechanics in that the fundamental materials aspects of fracture are of paramount importance. Offered in alternate years.
Learning Outcomes1Recognize and understand the significance of stress concentration; fracture mode (I, II, III); process or plastic zone; plane strain fracture toughness, KIC; plane stress fracture; crack tip opening displacement, CTOD; J-Integral.
2Recognize how the shear and dilatant character of a deformation process plays in role in fracture resistance.
3Recognize how specimen geometry and size influences fracture toughness and strength compared to applications.
4Be conversant in at least one research area related to fracture and failure.
5Be able to critique experimental fracture data relative to models or mechanisms reported for those materials.
6Understand how post-mortem analysis can be used to assess failed components.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.