APPLICATIONS OF FRACTURE MECHANICS IN FAILURE PREVENTION

Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM or simply "fracture mechanics") provides an analytical framework for assessing the influence of sharp defects on the load-bearing capability of a structure. Starting with a simple equation which relates applied stress and crack size, the influence of the material's thickness and yield strength can be calculated. Thus the size of defect which will cause failure under the applied stress may be determined. Armed with this information, the metallurgist can assess the safety of a structure from the viewpoints of non-destructive testing standards, construction standards, and conditions of operation throughout its service life. A basic treatment of fracture mechanics precedes a short discussion of its application to failure prevention. Two examples illustrate the approach.

• Corporate Authors:

  Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

  275 Slater Street
  Ottawa, ONo K1A 0S4,   Canada 
• Authors:
  • Langford, W J
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 21 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Failure analysis; Fracture mechanics; Safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack propagation
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00148622
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: AECL No. 5506
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 15 1977 12:00AM