Preface -- 1. Stability in Metallic Elements -- 1.1 Time Independent Tensile Loading -- 1.2 Tensile Creep Rupture -- 1.3 Time Independent Compressive Loading -- 1.4 Time Dependent Compressive Loading -- 1.5 Static Buckling Experiments -- 1.6 Three Dimensional Problems -- 1.7 Dynamic Stability -- References -- 2. Fracture Mechanics -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 Fracture in Metals with Toughness Gradients -- 2.3 Metallurgical Embrittlement Effects -- References.- 3. Fatigue in Metals -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 The Stress-Life Strategy -- 3.3 Fatigue Crack Growth -- 3.4 Crack Initiation Mechanisms -- 3.5 Multi-Site Fatigue Cracking -- 3.6 Variable Amplitude Loading -- 3.7 Temperature -- 3.8 Corrosion -- 3.9 Creep and Fatigue Interaction -- References -- 4. Ceramic Materials -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Ceramic Matrix Composites -- References -- 5. Polymeric Materials -- 5.1 Fatigue Failure -- 5.2 Environmental Effects on Composites -- References -- 6. Metallic Matrix Composites -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Experimental and Analytical Results -- References -- 7. Biomaterials -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Prosthetic Heart Valves -- 7.3 Prosthetic Hip Joints -- References -- 8. Failure in Structural Systems -- 8.1 Truss Failure -- 8.2 Beam Failure -- 8.3 Creep Buckling Failure -- 8.4 Discussion -- References. Index Index.

This book focuses on the mechanisms and underlying mechanics of failure in various classes of materials such as metallic, ceramic, polymeric, composite and bio-material.  Topics include tensile and compressive fracture, crack initiation and growth, fatigue and creep rupture in metallic materials, matrix cracking and delamination and environmental degradation in polymeric composites, failure of bio-materials such as prosthetic heart valves and prosthetic hip joints, failure of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites, failure of metallic matrix composites, static and dynamic buckling failure, dynamic excitations and creep buckling failure in structural systems. Chapters are devoted to failure mechanisms that are characteristic of each of the materials.  The work also provides the basic elements of fracture mechanics and studies in detail several niche topics such as the effects of toughness gradients, variable amplitude loading effects in fatigue, small fatigue cracks, and creep induced brittleness. Furthermore, the book reviews a large number of experimental results on these failure mechanisms. The book will benefit structural and materials engineers and researchers seeking a “birds-eye” view of possible failure mechanisms in structures along with the associated failure and structural mechanics.