SCHOOL OF ELASTICITY AND FRACTURE MECHANICS AT THE FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, NIŠ: RESEARCH AND GLOBAL COLLABORATION

Abstract

This paper presents a part of the scientific results in elasticity theory and fracture mechanics achieved through projects at the Department of Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Niš. It recalls the doctoral dissertation of Prof. Dr Danilo Rašković on rectangular rod torsion, partly included in Jakov Hlitčijev’s Theory of Elasticity. Under Rašković’s guidance and through nine project cycles, numerous defended doctorates contributed to founding the Serbian School of Nonlinear Oscillations and Hybrid Systems Dynamics. Special focus is on parallel research in elasticity and fracture mechanics. Notable results include Dragan Jovanović’s master’s thesis on elasticity and photoelasticity and his doctoral work in fracture mechanics, as well as Ljubiša Perić’s research on stress, deformation, and polarisation in piezoelectric ceramics. Both were mentored by Prof. Katica (Stevanović) Hedrih. International collaborations include Prof. Emanuel Gdoutos (University of Xanthi and Chicago), honorary doctorate recipient and guest editor of a Facta Universitatis special issue on fracture mechanics; Prof. Jerzy Pinder (Waterloo University); Prof. Stjepan Jecic (Zagreb); and Prof. Rastko Čukić (Belgrade). Key fracture mechanics results by Dragan Jovanović were recognised at the World Conference on Experimental Mechanics. Recent advances (2024–2025) include new fractional-order rheological models and dynamic systems by Katica Hedrih, Anđelka Herdrih, and Julijana Simonović. The paper also reviews the textbook-monograph Strength of Materials and Resistance of Structures by Dragan Jovanović and Julijana Simonović. References include works by Hlitčijev, Rašković, Hedrih, Jovanović, and Simonović, forming the knowledge base for generations of mechanical engineers. This paper emphasises the continuity of knowledge transfer and scientific ideas at the University of Niš since its founding in 1960.