FKM Guideline “Fracture Mechanics Proof of Strength for Engineering Components”: Procedures, Compendiums, Examples

The German guideline “Fracture Mechanics Proof of Strength for Engineering Components” has been released in 2001 as a result of activities sponsored by the Research Committee on Mechanical Engineering (FKM), task group “Component Strength”. The guideline compiles basics for the integrity assessment of cracked components subjected to static or cyclic loading and provides a step-by-step computational procedure for the use in engineering practice. The paper gives an overview of the guideline, describes its specific features, contents and some new topics included in the last 3rd edition (2006).Copyright © 2008 by ASME