Nearly 500 years ago, Leonardo da Vinci observed that long wires are weaker than short wires of the same diameter. The statistical theory of extreme values (weakest-link theory) plays a very important role in studies of the size effect; competing theories include the energy theory and the technological theory. Summaries are given of relevant publications identified in the course of a literature survey on the size effect. Since this survey was motivated by concern about the reliability of large composite aircraft structures, which are now coming into use, special attention is given to the size effect on composite materials and structures. An attempt is made to summarize the present state of knowledge and to identify unsolved problems requiring further research.

This textbook consists primarily of notes by Iain Finnie who taught a popular course on fracture mechanics at the University of California at Berkeley. It presents a comprehensive and detailed exposition of fracture, the fundamentals of fracture mechanics and procedures for the safe design of engineering components made from metal alloys, brittle materials like glasses and ceramics, and composites. Interesting and practical problems are listed at the end of most chapters to give the student practice in applying the theory. A solutions manual is provided to the instructor. The text presents a unified perspective of fracture with a strong fundamental foundation and practical applications. In addition to its role as a text, this reference would be invaluable for the practicing engineer who is involved in the design and evaluation of components that are fracture critical. This book also: Presents details of derivations of the basic equations of fracture mechanics and the historical context of the development of fracture theory and methodology Treats linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics methodologies beginning with a review of the basic equations of solid mechanics followed by solutions useful in fracture prediction Illustrates the basis of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), practical applications of LEFM in the design of fracture-tolerant structural components Offers interesting, practical, classroom proven problems at the end of most chapters Includes instructor's solutions manual

The 8th International Conference on Fracture (ICF8), held in Kyiv, Ukraine, attracted 550 delegates from 30 countries with over 700 papers presented. This volume contains a representative selection of 72 articles of the highest standard from internationally renowned experts in the field. Principal topics covered include: mechanics and criteria of fracture, stress-strain analysis in solids with cracks, physics and mechanics of fracture, dynamic fracture, environmental effects, temperature influence on fracture, advanced and special-purpose materials engineering applications of fracture mechanics, fracture mechanics and strength of welded joints and structures, testing techniques and failure diagnostics. For anyone working in fracture mechanics and the performance of materials, this volume provides a valuable snapshot of the major recent developments in the field.

Corrosion Engineering: Principles and Solved Problems covers corrosion engineering through an extensive theoretical description of the principles of corrosion theory, passivity and corrosion prevention strategies and design of corrosion protection systems. The book is updated with results published in papers and reviews in the last twenty years. Solved corrosion case studies, corrosion analysis and solved corrosion problems in the book are presented to help the reader to understand the corrosion fundamental principles from thermodynamics and electrochemical kinetics, the mechanism that triggers the corrosion processes at the metal interface and how to control or inhibit the corrosion rates. The book covers the multidisciplinary nature of corrosion engineering through topics from electrochemistry, thermodynamics, mechanical, bioengineering and civil engineering. - Addresses the corrosion theory, passivity, material selections and designs - Covers extensively the corrosion engineering protection strategies - Contains over 500 solved problems, diagrams, case studies and end of chapter problems - Could be used as a text in advanced/graduate corrosion courses as well self-study reference for corrosion engineers