Please consider attending the following: MATERIALS ENGINEERING SEMINAR "Mechanisms to Increase Toughness in Layered Structures" By Endrina S. Forti Purdue MSE Ph.D. Preliminary Exam Advisor: Professor Jeffery P. Youngblood ABSTRACT Laminate structures constituted by a simple lay-up configuration of a brittle material with a ductile one has gained significant importance in structural applications due to its effectiveness in enhancing the mechanical performance and reducing the overall weight of some materials. Two main mechanisms of crack retardation have been extensively studied. Firstly, crack retardation using crack digression along the interface is discussed in addition to different parameters that affect its performance, such as adhesion and shear stresses. Finally, crack blunting of the crack, a mechanism linked to ductile materials like metals, polymers, and elastomers, is explored in conjunction with how the thickness of the brittle and ductile layers affects the overall propagation of cracks. Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Time: 1:00 P.M. Place: HAMP 2108