It is difficult to do justice to fracture mechanics in a textbook, for
the subject encompasses so many disciplines. A general survey of the
field would serve no purpose other than give a collection of references.
The present book by Professor E. E. Gdoutos is refreshing because it
does not fall into the esoteric tradition of outlining equations and
results. Basic ideas and underlying principles are clearly explained as
to how they are used in application. The presentations are concise and
each topic can be understood by advanced undergraduates in material
science and continuum mechanics. The book is highly recommended not only
as a text in fracture mechanics but also as a reference to those
interested in the general aspects of failure analysis. In addition to
providing an in-depth review of the analytical methods for evaluating
the fundamental quantities used in linear elastic fracture mechanics,
various criteria are discussed re: O. ecting their limitations and
applications. Par- ticular emphases are given to predicting crack
initiation, subcritical growth and the onset of rapid fracture from a
single criterion. Those models in which it is assumed that the crack
extends from tip to tip rely on the specific surface energy concept. The
differences in the global and energy states before and after crack
extension were associated with the energy required to create a unit area
of crack surface. Applications were limited by the requirement of
self-similar crack growth.