LEFMtilnæringen

LEFMtilnæringen refers to a methodological approach used in structural analysis, specifically within the framework of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). This approach focuses on the behavior of materials containing cracks under stress, assuming that the material behaves elastically and that crack growth is the primary failure mechanism. LEFMtilnæringen is characterized by its use of stress intensity factors (K) to quantify the severity of a crack. These factors depend on the applied stress, the size and shape of the crack, and the geometry of the component.

The core principle of LEFMtilnæringen is the concept of a critical stress intensity factor, denoted as Kc. When the calculated stress intensity factor (K) for a given crack reaches or exceeds Kc, unstable crack propagation is predicted to occur, leading to fracture. This critical value is considered a material property, often referred to as fracture toughness. The methodology involves determining K for various loading and crack configurations and comparing it to the material's Kc.

Applications of LEFMtilnæringen are widespread in engineering, including aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering. It is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of structures by predicting their resistance to crack initiation and propagation. This allows engineers to establish safe operating limits, design components with appropriate safety margins, and assess the remaining life of structures with existing defects. The underlying assumption of linear elasticity limits its direct applicability to situations where plastic deformation at the crack tip is negligible.