Mechanical Behavior of Materials is a course that combines the subject matter of fracture mechanics, fatigue (low cycle and high cycle), static failure analysis, and other related topics. Fracture mechanics will mainly focus on linear elastic fracture mechanics. Fatigue principles addressing both elasticity and plasticity will be presented. Notch effects will be discussed in addition to variable amplitude loading conditions. Multi-axial fatigue will also be discussed. This course includes only plastic deformation and fatigue. Fracture will be disscused in the first part of this module.

Structural integrity means ensuring safe operation of a structure considering different design criteria as well as uncertainties during the design and operational phases. A structure should withstand static, dynamic and variable loading conditions in order to ensure that failure does not occur within a specified design life and under specified loading conditions.