©C.Wolf

In addition to lectures on the theoretical principles of fracture mechanics, the 10 participants were able to experience the practical implementation of fracture mechanics tests.

Fracture mechanics provides essential measures for the safe design of structures and buildings. Such procedures are described in modern codes. Nevertheless, accidents still occur, sometimes dramatically, which could be avoided by appropriate measures. The different approaches of linear-elastic fracture mechanics according to the K-concept and yield fracture mechanics were covered in the seminar, as well as the determination of quasi-static, cyclic and dynamic characteristic values and their application in regulations. Case studies were used to demonstrate the application of fracture mechanics calculations to specific problems such as welds with or without residual stresses.

The seminar was very well received by the participants. One participant commented: "The fracture mechanics seminar in Freiberg is an optimal mixture of theory, experiments and case studies. The lecturers and the social evening round off the training". Another participant said: "The DGM fracture mechanics seminar really helped me personally to understand the basics of fracture mechanics. I found the demonstration of practical case studies and the insight into the laboratories very helpful".

The training course has been part of the DGM program for more than 20 years and will be offered again in the fall of 2025.

The German Society for Materials Science would like to thank Prof. Biermann and Prof. Krüger as well as the lecturers for organizing the training course.