Papers Published

1. Petroski, H. J., ON THE CRACKED BELL., Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol. 96 no. 4 (1984), pp. 485 - 493 [0022-460X(84)90635-7] .
   (last updated on 2007/04/09)

   Abstract:
   A simple model based on energy methods of applied mechanics is developed and employed to study the effect of clapper location on the initiation and growth of cracks in bells. The origin of cracks in the Liberty Bell and Big Ben are discussed, and the simple model is employed to explain why remedial measures on Big Ben, though perhaps not optimal, have prolonged its life.

   Keywords:
   FRACTURE MECHANICS - Mathematical Models;