This book offers a collection of 17 scientific papers about the computational modeling of fracture. Some of the manuscripts propose new computational methods and/or how to improve existing cutting edge methods for fracture. These contributions can be classified into two categories: 1. Methods which treat the crack as strong discontinuity such as peridynamics, scaled boundary elements or specific versions of the smoothed finite element methods applied to fracture and 2. Continuous approaches to fracture based on, for instance, phase field models or continuum damage mechanics. On the other hand, the book also offers a wide range of applications where state-of-the-art techniques are employed to solve challenging engineering problems such as fractures in rock, glass, concrete. Also, larger systems such as fracture in subway stations due to fire, arch dams, or concrete decks are studied.

Annotation "This book covers a wide range of topics in localized damage with particular emphasis on recent advances in computational methods. It forms the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Localized Damage: Computer-Aided Assessment and Control, which took place on 3-5 June 1996, in Fukuoka, Japan. The Localized Damage conferences are now well-established as the preeminent forum for presentation of the research on advanced computational methods to problems in fracture, fatigue and damage mechanics."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The boundary element method (BEM) is a modern numerical technique, which has enjoyed increasing popularity over the last two decades, and is now an established alternative to traditional computational methods of engineering analysis. The main advantage of the BEM is its unique ability to provide a complete solution in terms of boundary values only, with substantial savings in modelling effort. This two-volume book set is designed to provide the readers with a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the boundary element method and its application to solving engineering problems. Each volume is a self-contained book including a substantial amount of material not previously covered by other text books on the subject. Volume 1 covers applications to heat transfer, acoustics, electrochemistry and fluid mechanics problems, while volume 2 concentrates on solids and structures, describing applications to elasticity, plasticity, elastodynamics, fracture mechanics and contact analysis. The early chapters are designed as a teaching text for final year undergraduate courses. Both volumes reflect the experience of the authors over a period of more than twenty years of boundary element research. This volume, Applications in Solids and Structures, provides a comprehensive presentation of the BEM from fundamentals to advanced engineering applications and encompasses: Elasticity for 2D, 3D and Plates and Shells Non-linear, Transient and Thermal Stress Analysis Crack Growth and Multi-body Contact Mechanics Sensitivity Analysis and Optimisation Analysis of Assembled Structures. An important feature of this book is the in-depth presentation of BEM formulations in all the above fields, including detailed discussions of the basic theory, numerical algorithms and where possible simple examples are included, as well as test results for practical engineering applications of the method. Although most of the methods presented are the latest developments in the field, the author has included some simple techniques, which are helpful in understanding the computer implementation of BEM. Another notable feature is the comprehensive presentation of a new generation of boundary elements known as the Dual Boundary Element Method. Written by an internationally recognised authority in the field, this is essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and practitioners in Aerospace, Mechanical and Civil Engineering and Applied Mathematics.