Fracture Mechanics of Metals, Composites, Welds, and Bolted Joints : Application of LEFM, EPFM, and FMDM Theory

In the preliminary stage of designing new structural hardware to perform a given mission in a fluctuating load environment, there are several factors that the designer should consider. Trade studies for different design configurations should be performed and, based on strength and weight considerations, among others, an optimum configuration selected. The selected design must withstand the environment in question without failure. Therefore, a comprehensive structural analysis that consists of static, dynamic, fatigue, and fracture is necessary to ensure the integrity of the structure. Engineers must also consider the feasibility of fabricating the structural hardware in the material selection process. During the past few decades, fracture mechanics has become a necessary discipline for the solution of many structural problems in which the survivability of structure containing pre-existing flaws is of great interest. These problems include structural failures resulting from cracks that are inherent in the material, or defects that are introduced in the part due to improper handling or rough machining, that must be assessed through fracture mechanics concepts. This book was written to serve as both a professional's overview of the entire field of fatigue and fracture mechanics as it is currently practiced, and as an introduction to the application of the Fracture Mechanics of Ductile Metals (FMDM) theory. Particular benefits include: Application of fracture mechanics concepts to metallic structure, composites, welds and bolted joints. Extensive discussion of two welding techniques currently used in aerospace and aircraft structure, with emphasis given to state-of-the-art friction stir welding techniques. Life assessment of welded and bolted joints, with example problems. Damage tolerance and durability assessment of composites, not found in any other book published in this area. Presentation of Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM). Application of multi-specimen and single-specimen techniques to obtain fracture properties. Introduction to Fracture Mechanics of Ductile Metals (FMDM) theory to determine residual strength capability of structural metals. Discussion of techniques to determine the material fracture toughness properties without the need for laboratory testing. This is the first single text to present applications of fatigue and fracture mechanics to metals and composites and also include practical applications and example problems. It will be an essential reference for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. Front Matter....Pages i-xviii Overview of Fracture Mechanics and Failure Prevention....Pages 1-51 Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and Applications....Pages 52-117 Fatigue Crack Growth and Applications....Pages 118-179 Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics (EPFM) and Applications....Pages 180-236 The Fracture Mechanics of Ductile Metals Theory....Pages 237-273 Welded Joints and Applications....Pages 274-303 Bolted Joints and Applications....Pages 304-333 Durability and Damage Tolerance of Composites....Pages 334-383 Back Matter....Pages 384-408