Fracture Mechanics

This book provides a thorough introduction to the subject of fracture mechanics, covering the basic concepts of both the linear elastic and elastic-plastic regimes. The development of failure assessment based on elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is comprehensively examined.

A number of chapters are devoted to the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth, and special attention is paid to the important topic of the initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks. Sustained load fracture and dynamic crack growth are also discussed, including various test techniques for determining their presence.

Finally, the book deals with mechanisms of fracture and the ways in which actual material behaviour influences the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth.

This textbook is primarily for engineering students, but practising engineers will find it useful as it covers several test and design methods and criteria for material selection. Accompanying exercises are available at

Michael Janssen, Jan Zuidema, Russell Wanhill

Since the first edition published in 1991, this has been one of the top-selling books in the field. The first and second editions have been used as a required text in over 100 universities worldwide and have become indispensable reference for thousands of practising engineers as well. The third edition reflects recent advances in the field, although it still retains the characteristics that made it a best-selling title. Providing thorough coverage of a wide range of topics, this book covers both theoretical and practical aspects of fracture mechanics and integrates materials science with solid mechanics. This edition includes expanded coverage of weight functions and a new chapter on environmental cracking.

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