symposium 7 - Crack Paths 2021

The applications of fracture mechanics have traditionally concentrated on crack problems under mode I opening loading. However, many structural components fail for crack propagation under mixed-mode loading conditions. Mixed-mode fracture mechanics continues to present challenges, in particular for the definition of standard specimens and loading devices for experimental tests and also for the development of analytical and numerical approaches able to predict mixed mode crack growth directions, rates and fracture resistance.

The aim of this Symposium is to bring together specialists in fracture mechanics, fatigue, materials science, to discuss latest developments, best practices and trends in the characterisation and modelling of the material fatigue and fracture behaviour and the structural integrity assessment of components under mixed-mode loading conditions.

The topics of the Symposium include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Material fracture behaviour under mixed-mode loading

• Fracture toughness under mixed-mode loading

• Fatigue propagation threshold of short and long cracks under mixed-mode loading

• Fatigue crack growth under multiaxial loading

• Specimens and loading devices for mixed-mode fatigue and fracture tests

• Crack propagation from notches under mixed-mode loading

• Mixed mode crack propagation in Additive Manufacturing components

• Experimental techniques to monitor crack propagation

• Strength assessment of real structures under mixed-mode loading

• Theoretical approaches to predict crack propagation direction and fracture resistance

• Numerical simulations of mixed mode crack growth

I hope to receive many contributions to the present Symposium so as to stimulate interesting multidisciplinary discussion and collaboration between researchers, engineers, and students and to exchange recent data and new ideas.