Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After the course, the student will be able to:

  • understand the theoretical background of linear and non-linear fracture mechanics.
  • apply the principles of fracture mechanics to solve design problems.
  • determine if crack growth will be stable or unstable.
  • define and discuss the most common fracture mechanisms.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 15.04.2025 - 30.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Luc St-Pierre

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course will start by introducing the fundamental principles of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM).  This will cover both the energy balance and stress analysis of cracks as well as the necessary conditions for stable crack growth and small-scale yielding.  Then, these principles will be extended to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics by introducing the J-integral.  Finally, the course will provide an introduction to the fracture mechanisms and testing methods applicable for different materials.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Assignments and exam.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures: 24h

    Exercises: 12h

    Independent work: 95h

    Exam: 3h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The lecture notes provided should be sufficient to follow the course.  For additional information consult the textbook of T.L. Anderson, Fracture Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications, 3rd edition, Taylor & Francis, 2005. 

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
    2025-2026 Spring V

    Registration:

    Registration for the course will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).