Stability problems in fracture mechanics

Stability Problems in Fracture Mechanics seeks to provide a new and more complete understanding of fractures and related phenomena by discussing these occurrences from the standpoint of stability. The author, a world-renowned authority in the field, maintains that this stability-based approach will foster more effective methods of evaluating structural safety and reliability parameters, especially in the presence of cracks and crack-like defects that are often unavoidable in exceptionally large structures. The text follows a logical structure built on general principles of fracture mechanics, making it easily accessible for anyone with a basic understanding of calculus and the mechanics of solids. New ideas are clearly illustrated with elementary "beam" examples, and the text is richly illustrated with figures and graphs for easy reference and visual clarity. Well-organized and lucidly written, Stability Problems in Fracture Mechanics serves as a valuable resource for structural engineers and analysts responsible for project evaluation and decision making. Within the framework of basic analytical mechanics, Dr. Bolotin presents his own extensively researched mechanical theory of fatigue and related phenomena, presenting both a new approach to classic problems as well as a number of new problems that allow for further development.