Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics

Fracture mechanics is the study of how and why materials break or crack. It examines how tiny flaws or cracks inside a material grow under stress, leading to failure. By understanding the properties of materials and the behavior of these cracks, engineers can predict when a structure might fail and design it to be safer and more durable. Essentially, it helps us understand the conditions that cause materials to fracture, enabling better safety, maintenance, and improvement of everything from bridges to aircraft.