This volume emphasizes fundamental concepts, both on the development of mathematical models of fracture phenomena and on the analysis of these models. Cases involving stress waves impinging on cracks, tractions suddenly applied to the faces of cracks, and rapid crack growth and arrest are considered in detail. Most of the work is concerned with the behavior of nominally elastic materials, but available results on elastic-plastic and elastic-viscoplastic materials are included. Connections to experimental results and to applications in structural mechanics, seismology, and materials science are noted whenever possible.

‘This comprehensive review of a most difficult subject reflects the author’s considerable experience and maturity in this area … Interesting directions for future research are suggested in the treatment of the topics.’

Source: Applied Mechanics Review

‘ … the standard text for everyone working in or just entering this attractive field of solid mechanics … It should be presented on the desks of all researchers and practitioners involved in problem of dynamic failure.’

D. Gross Source: ZAMM