For a crack in an elastic body subject to a load, the elastic energy stored in the body is a function of two independent variables: the displacement of the load, and the area of the crack. The energy release rate is defined by the partial derivative of the elastic energy of the body with respect to the area of the crack.
Fracture mechanics without invoking any field theory. In Lecture 1 on Fracture of Rubber, we considered the extension of a crack in an elastic body subject to a load. Following Rivlin and Thomas (1953), we regarded the elastic energy stored in the body as a function of two independent variables: the displacement of the load, and the area of the crack. The partial derivative of the elastic energy with respect to the area of the crack defined the energy release rate.
Actually, I don't know much about Fracture Mechanics. This is the book that my previous teach in Beijing Inst of Tech recommended it to me. I think it is good.
A rubber band can be stretched several times its original length. This large deformation may hide its brittleness: the strain to rupture can be markedly reduced by the presence of a crack. This lecture describes fracture mechanic of highly deformable materials, such as rubbers and gels.
Fracture Mechanics, Fundamentals and Applications, T.L. Anderson, CRC Press, 3rd Ed., 2004.
This book is in line with what Zhigang is teaching in class. Because Kejie and Widusha have already recommended this book, I would like to introduce you some other books as well as a different approach to cracks and Fracture Mechanics.
The book I recommend for reading is Fracture mechanics: fundamentals and applications, by T.L.Anderson, 3rd edition, 2005. I first saw this book on the top list of reading materials of Brown U. When I have it I found so pleasent to read through it. Here is the short-list of its content
Chapter 1: Introduction: History and overview
Chapter 2:Fundamental concepts: linear elastic fracture mechanics
Chapter 3: Elastic-plastic mechanics
Chapter 4: Dynamic and time-dependent fracture
Chapter 5: Material behavior: Fracture mechanics in metals
Dynamic fracture mechanics is written by a very well known professro-L B Freund. Honestly, I have only read a small part of the book. However, I recommend this book because after reading this book, you can learn many things which haven't be touched in the class, as stated by Zhigang in the beginning of the class.
A glass may withstand a static load for a long time (days, weeks, or years) and then, without warning, breaks suddenly. Here are salient empirical observations:
