Interdisciplinary approach to the solution of the strength problem of materials

A brief overview is given of the works by I.A. Oding, an inventor of an interdisciplinary approach to the strength problem of materials. The ways are discussed of utilizing the concepts of synergetics and the theory of fractals to simplify mechanical tests aimed at ascertaining the characteristics of strength and fracture of metals and alloys. An iteration method is used to establish the relationship between the fractal dimension and size of a prefracture zone. As a result, the algorithm is proposed for the calculation of the criteria of crack instability in iron-based alloys at various scale levels.