MME8105: Fatigue Design and Fracture Mechanics

This course provides a detailed treatment of fatigue failure due to cyclic loading of mechanical components. Numerous design examples are provided including: stress concentration, notch sensitivity, mean stress, multi-axial stress and variable amplitude loading. A course project on a relevant topic is required which must be presented orally and in writing.  
 
Course objectives 

• Introduce design approaches for high cycle (stress-life). 
• Study of Methods for low cycle (plastic strain-life) problems. 
• Understanding of linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics concepts. 
• Present the microscopic and macroscopic features of fatigue and fracture. 

 
Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding  

• Understand and explain the theoretical background of linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics  
• Explain the underlying theories of the methods used for dimensioning  
• Explain the mechanisms for crack propagation explain the mechanism of fatigue  
• Explain the basic theories of fracture mechanics and fatigue 

 
Skills and abilities  

• Dimensioning steel structure against fracture and fatigue 
• Assess the risk of failure and fatigue  
• Assist in planning and carrying out fracture mechanics testing and analysis  
• Investigate fundamental reasons for failure  
• Determine whether or not stable crack growth can become unstable.  
• Apply the knowledge from the course on practical cases where linear fracture mechanics is sufficient  
• Get experience in team work and report writing 

 
Ability of assessment and attitude  

• Understand how fracture mechanics and fatigue affect people, environment and safety 
• Understand the role dimensioning plays in sustainable development  
• Know the challenges of today in fracture mechanics and fatigue  
• Know the increased experience of engineering assessments and the identification and formulation of problems