Fracture and Fatigue
Understanding fracture mechanics and fatigue life prediction in materials
This module covers fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, with a focus on crack propagation, stress intensity factors, and life prediction of structures subjected to cyclic loading. MATLAB and ANSYS are used to perform simulations and assess structural integrity under various loading conditions.
Key assignments and simulations
Introduction to Fracture Mechanics
Studied fracture mechanics using stress concentration around cracks. Simulations were performed on plates with cracks to analyze stress distribution and predict failure points based on Inglis’ formula. The model demonstrated the effect of crack size on material strength.(Homework 1, Chapter 1)
Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics
Applied the energy criterion and stress intensity factors to assess the integrity of pressurized vessels. MATLAB scripts were developed to predict crack growth and calculate safety factors under working and test conditions.(Homework 2, Chapter 2)
The Stress Intensity Factor Criterion
Investigated stress intensity factors for different crack orientations in pressurized cylindrical structures. The assignment modeled critical crack sizes and pressures for fuselage designs under extreme loading conditions.(Homework 3, Chapter 3)
J-Integral Approach
Modeled cracks in non-linear materials using the J-integral method. The assignment focused on calculating the energy release rate and crack growth in large deformation conditions, applying the domain integral approach in ANSYS simulations.(Homework 4, Chapter 4)
Fatigue Life Prediction
Predicted fatigue life of components subjected to cyclic loading. Simulations were performed to estimate crack growth rate under varying stress amplitudes, and results were compared to theoretical predictions using S-N curves.(Homework 5, Chapter 5)
This module provided a comprehensive exploration of fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, with a focus on both theoretical and practical approaches to predicting failure in materials and structures under static and cyclic loading.