9522306 Issa This project will study the reliability of models that are used to predict failure of brittle materials in applications from data that is generated on small test specimens. The success of the study hinge on: (a) formulating a similarity criteria for testing, (b) selecting an adequate kinetic model for crack nucleation and propagation which reflects experimental observations of fracture mechanisms, and (c) formulating a three dimensional reliability model for brittle struatural elements. The study will combine the Weakest Link Theory for modeling crack nucleation with Statistical Fracture Mechanisms formalism describing the statistical features of the macroscopic crack growth. ***
