Fracture Mechanics: Stress Intensity Factor and Crack Growth

This lecture covers the relationship between crack growth conditions and the energy release rate, defined as the Strain Energy Release Rate G. It explains the stress field ahead of a crack, stress intensity factors, and the effect of cracks on modulus. The instructor introduces the concept of crack-tip energy dissipation and the generalization for ductile materials. The lecture also discusses small-scale yielding and the 'process zone' near the crack tip where all dissipative processes occur.