Objective of the course of Fracture Mechanics is to introduce a new way of structure failure analysis. Besides the ultimate stress analysis and theory of plasticity, there are structures that are sensitive to crack initiation and propagation. Fracture Mechanics takes into consideration this type of structures.

Students who completed the course of Fracture Mechanics will be familiar with basic principles of initiation and propagation of cracks in structures. Also they will be able to design structures resistive to the crack propagation.

Introduction. Why Fracture Mechanics is necessary? Basic criterions for design of structures. The most fameos failure of structures in the period 1800-1940 and after 1940. Development of Fracture Mechanics. Westergard`s  solution of crack in the plane. Definition of brittle and plastic material. Mott`s effect. Elastic crack tip solution. Modes of deformation: Mode I, II and III. Griffith`s criterion. Damage of materials, averaged Elastic modulus. R curve, ASTM Compact tension specimen E 399-72 (USA standards). Stability of the crack propagation (examples). Cracks in elastic materials. Dugdale-Barenblat model; J-integral meaning and derivation. Application of J-integral. Momentum tensor Pij; Crack opening displacement; Dynamic crack propagation; Fatigue of materials. Examples of design of structures with the application of Fracture Mechanics.