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This book provides a thorough introduction to the subject of fracture mechanics, covering the basic concepts of both the linear elastic and elastic-plastic regimes. The development of failure assessment based on elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is comprehensively examined. A number of chapters are devoted to the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth, and special attention is paid to the important topic of the initiation and growth of short fatigue cracks. Sustained load fracture and dynamic crack growth are also discussed, including various test techniques for determining their presence. Finally, the book deals with mechanisms of fracture and the ways in which actual material behaviour influences the fracture mechanics characterisation of crack growth. This textbook is primarily for engineering students, but practising engineers will find it useful as it covers several test and design methods and criteria for material selection. Accompanying exercises are available at http://www.sponpress.com/supportmaterial