Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWMStructural Integrity and Fracture Mechanics
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.
Our portfolio ranges from materials characterization to safety evaluation and lifetime assessment of components with defects.
Experimental determination of fracture mechanics parameters:
Fracture toughness, crack resistance curves, fatigue crack growth curves
Crack resistance tests in a temperature range of about -196 °C to 600 °C in compliance with test standards such as ASTM E399, E1820, E1921, E647
Non-standardized tests under custom specified conditions or with non-standard specimen geometries
Stress analyses:
Of specimens and components with cracks or other defects
Under complex thermo-mechanical constraints
Using state-of-the-art and advanced material models
With consideration of elastic-plastic deformation, creep and progressing damage
Under static and cyclic loading
Considering welding stresses
Fracture mechanics assessment:
In accordance with specific standards such as R6, SINTAP, FITNET, BS 7910, API 579 or FKM guideline
Using special software, for example, IWM VERB or ERWIN
Including custom-specific software implementation (component and crack geometry, stress conditions, material properties)
Using deterministic and probabilistic methods
Furthermore, we develop advanced solutions and evaluation concepts and consistently implement them into our calculation programs and the FKM guideline "Fracture mechanics strength assessment" co-developed by us (FKM = Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau). Companies all over the world use the failure assessment software IWM VERB to solve fracture-mechanical problems. The optimization and the development of the software is performed in a close cooperation with our customers. Additionally, we provide training courses in fracture mechanics methods.
Contact us! Together we'll find a customized solution for the challenges you face.
Equipment to perform fracture mechanical tests (i.e. ASTM E399, E1820, E1921 and E647) over large force and temperature ranges
Determination of strains by use of clip-gauges or digital image correlation (DIC) for areal strain measurements