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

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.