Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
We provide proof for safety, fitness of purpose and endurance of complex and highly stressed components by the use of modern fracture mechanics concepts. On this basis we develop solutions for improved component safety, optimized component design or inspection intervals together with our customers.
For the design and assessment of safety-relevant components fracture mechanics methodologies are state-of-the-art. In the presence of crack-like defects (detected or postulated), the methods of fracture mechanics provide information about the fitness of purpose of components, the remaining service life and the safety regarding an uncontrolled crack growth. Well-founded decisions about commissioning, lifetime extension, periodic inspections or the exchange of a component can be provided on this basis.
Typical industrial areas for the application of fracture mechanics are:
Aerospace
Plant construction
Pressure vessels and piping systems of power plants
Gas and steam turbines
Pipelines
Railway vehicles
Steel structures, i.e. for crane and bridge construction
Welded components
We support our customers with our competencies in material testing, numerical simulation, analytical failure assessment and failure analysis related to fracture mechanics questions. Together with our customers we develop solutions for the assessment of the safety and the remaining service lifetime of machines and plants, the extension of their service lifetime, the determination of inspection intervals, the design optimization and a safety-related material selection. Moreover, we offer support for the preparation of expert reports and represent investigation results in front of technical regulatory authorities.
