Summary

Theoretical treatments of fracture mechanics abound in the literature. Among the first books to address this vital topic from an applied standpoint was the first edition of Practical Fracture Mechanics in Design. Completely updated and expanded to reflect recent developments in the field, the second edition of this valuable reference concisely reviews all of the fracture modes and design methodologies needed for control and prevention of structural failures in mechanical components.

Practical Fracture Mechanics in Design, Second Edition begins with the historical development of the field, which is critical in understanding the origins and purpose of the various methodologies and equations. The book goes on to provide the fundamentals, basic formulas, elementary worked examples, and references with an emphasis on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The author also includes case studies and design problems to clarify the concepts and explain their application. New chapters cover experimental methods in fracture, fracture of composite materials, dynamic fracture, and post mortem analysis of fracture surfaces.

Providing much more than a simple introduction to fracture mechanics, this critical, authoritative guide supplies easy-to-use and understand tools based on hands-on experience in design, emphasizing practical applications over heavily theoretical, rigorous mathematical derivations.