Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The overall theme of the proposed research is in improving our understanding of the deformation characteristics of metal alloys during fatigue and failure in two ways. Firstly prior to crack initiation, the average response of the material is studied with the goal of finding out how energy and deformation is distributed according to microstructure. Secondly subsequent to crack initiation the way that stresses are relieved in the one close to short fatigue cracks is considered. In particular we investigate the role of local crystallographic properties on how the crack will propagate. Such research will lead to improved failure prediction methodologies, with application in the aerospace, automotive and power generation industries. A better understanding of failure leads both to improved safety and economic gains since repairs and replacements can be carried out on a less conservative schedule.