Understanding the failure behaviour of heterogeneous materials

While new materials have opened the way to devices able to carry out increasingly complex tasks, ensuring their durability remains a challenge. Theoretical concepts developed within this project to describe failure in heterogeneous solids promise a more rational design of materials with improved mechanical properties.

The continuum mechanics concepts that underlie the current theory of fracture do not take into account the central role played by material heterogeneities. However, material failure is a result of the complex interplay between the stress loads applied at the large scale and the progressive damage of the material's microstructure at the small scale.

Further details: Understanding the failure behaviour of heterogeneous materials