The course focused on the fundamentals of fracture mechanics evaluation of materials and components, including the determination of stress parameters based on the K, J-integral, and CTOD concepts, as well as the evaluation of static, dynamic, and cyclic material properties. In addition to theoretical lectures, laboratory demonstrations and discussion sessions offered participants the opportunity to directly apply and expand their knowledge. The exchange on current standards and case studies from industrial practice was also highlighted as particularly valuable.

Participant feedback was consistently positive: the high practical relevance, the application-oriented teaching approach, and the excellent organization and support were especially praised. Several participants noted that they had joined the course based on recommendations and described it as highly recommendable.

DGM extends its sincere thanks to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lutz Krüger and the lecturers Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Henkel, Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Henschel, and Dipl.-Wi.-Ing. Moritz Müller (TU Bergakademie Freiberg) for their expert contributions and for bridging theory and practice so effectively.

Outlook

The next training course “Fracture Mechanics – Fundamentals, Testing Methods, and Application Examples” will take place again in Freiberg on 23 and 24 September 2026. It will be led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Horst Biermann, with lectures by Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Henkel, Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Henschel, and PD Dr.-Ing. habil. Anja Weidner (all TU Bergakademie Freiberg).