The goal of the Fatigue and Fracture laboratory is to develop the basic technology needed to ensure the structural integrity of components subjected to initial manufacturing or service induced damage.  This research employs numerical and experimental approaches, and considers both the design of new components as well as the continued operation of older structures (i.e. aging aircraft).  This laboratory is located in the Purdue University School of Aeronautics and Astronautics under the direction of Prof. Alten F. Grandt, Jr.

The Fatigue and Fracture Laboratory is well equipped to determine mechanical properties of structural materials. This facility has two computer controlled electromechanical hydraulic test machines (10 kip and 20 kip capacity) and associated equipment needed to measure fatigue crack formation, propagation, and fracture in specimens subjected to simulated aircraft load histories. Equipment is also available to artificially corrode specimens in connection with corrosion and/or corrosion-fatigue related research, and a scanning electron microscope is on hand to examine fracture surfaces. 

 
 See the Fatigue and Fracture Lab panorama.

 Updated on 02/22/05