Undergraduate MEMS 1033

Fracture Mechanics for manufacturing and performance

(3 units)

Description: An introduction to the principles of fracture mechanics; the essential concepts underlying appropriate materials selection including the effects of shape selection for maximum performance; and the strengths and weaknesses inherent in the choice of, say, metals versus ceramics versus polymers, etc.

Prerequisites: ENGR 0022 and MEMS 1028.

Textbook: Fracture Mechanics for Product Design and Manufacture, Norman Laws—available at the Book Center.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce the students to the principles of fracture mechanics
• To develop an appreciation of practical methodologies for the selection and shape of materials to meet desired performance in various applications

Topics Covered:

• Fracture mechanics
• Materials selection
• Deterministic versus probabilistic analysis
• Fatigue
• Design for strength, stiffness, minimum cost or weight, damage tolerance, etc.

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Three 50-minute periods of lecture per week

Professional Component Contributions: Engineering science and design

Relationship to Program Objectives: 1b, 2a, 2b

Prepared by: Scott Mao

Date Prepared: March 18, 2005