Fracture mechanics in failure analysis
- Starting from an introduction into important Basic questions of failure analysis and fracture mechanics, the author specifies what kind of questions in failure analysis can be effectively solved by fracture mechanics (and which can't). He illustrates his discussion with a number of case studies. Much more pronounced than in the design stage the benefit of fracture mechanics in failure analysis depends on ist accuracy. This is limited by both, intrinsic factors of the method and the availability and quality of the input information. The author discusses the various aspects and provides the participants with background information helpful for better understanding the prospects and limitations of fracture mechanics in failure analysis and the conditions of its application.