Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics for Engineers

Fracture mechanics is an essential tool for engineers in a number of different engineering disciplines. For example, an engineer in a metals- or plastics-dependent industry might use fracture mechanics to evaluate and characterize materials, while another in aerospace or construction might use fracture mechanics-based methods for product design and service life-time estimation. This balanced treatment, which covers both applied engineering and mathematical aspects of the topic, provides a much-needed multidisciplinary treatment of the field suitable for the many diverse applications of the subject. While texts on linear elastic fracture mechanics abound, no complete treatments of the complex topic of nonlinear fracture mechanics have been available in a textbook format - until now. Written by an author with extensive industry credentials as well as academic experience, Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics for Engineers examines nonlinear fracture mechanics and its applications in mechanics, materials testing, and life prediction of components. The book includes the first-ever complete examination of creep and creep-fatigue crack growth. Examples and problems reinforce the concepts presented. A complete chapter on applications and case studies involving nonlinear fracture mechanics completes this thorough evaluation of this dynamic field of study.