The Griffith Theory of Cracking

Griffith's Theory of Cracking explains how materials like metals develop cracks under stress. It states that small cracks can grow when the energy released by crack extension exceeds the energy needed to create new surfaces. Essentially, when a material is subjected to force, tiny flaws or cracks may start to grow if the stress is high enough. This process involves a balance between the stored elastic energy and the energy required to form crack surfaces. Understanding this helps predict when and why materials eventually fracture, aiding in designing more durable and resilient structures.