Basic Fracture Mechanics and Its Applications

This textbook provides a comprehensive guide to fracture mechanics and its applications, providing an in-depth discussion of linear elastic fracture mechanics and a brief introduction to nonlinear fracture mechanics. It is an essential companion to the study of several disciplines such as aerospace, biomedical, civil, materials and mechanical engineering. This interdisciplinary textbook is also useful for professionals in several industries dealing with design and manufacturing of engineering materials and structures. Beginning with four foundational chapters, discussing the theory in depth, the book also presents specific aspects of how fracture mechanics is used to address fatigue crack growth, environment assisted cracking, and creep and creep-fatigue crack growth. Other topics include mixed-mode fracture and materials testing and selection for damage tolerant design, alongside in-depth discussions of ensuring structural integrity of components through real-world examples. There is a strong focus throughout the book on the practical applications of fracture mechanics. It provides a clear description of the theoretical aspects of fracture mechanics and also its limitations. Appendices provide additional background to ensure a comprehensive understanding and every chapter includes solved example problems and unsolved end of chapter problems. Additional instructor support materials are also available.