This important study focuses on the way in which structures and materials can be best designed to absorb kinetic energy in a controllable and predictable manner. Understanding of energy absorption of structures and materials is important in calculating the damage to structures caused by accidental collision, assessing the residual strength of structures after initial damage and in designing packaging to protect its contents in the event of impact. Whilst a great deal of recent research has taken place into the energy absorption behaviour of structures and materials and significant progress has been made, this knowledge is diffuse and widely scattered. This book offers a synthesis of the most recent developments and forms a detailed and comprehensive view of the area. It is an essential reference for all engineers concerned with materials engineering in relation to the theory of plasticity, structural mechanics and impact dynamics.

• Important new study of energy absorption of engineering structures and materials
• Shows how they can be designed to withstand sudden loading in a safe, controllable and predictable way
• Illuminating case studies back up the theoretical analysis

Guoxing Lu is currently Professor at the School of Engineering and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. He obtained his Beng from Jilin University of Technology, China, in 1984, and his MSc from Cranfield University, UK, in 1986; both in automotive engineering. He obtained his PhD from Cambridge University in 1989 in structural plasticity. He lectured for five years at the School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He joined Swinburne University of Technology in 1995. His main research interest is energy absorption of structures. He has published over 100 refereed papers in international journals and conference proceedings.Tongxi Yu is Head and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. After obtaining his first degree in Solid Mechanics from Peking University in 1964, he worked as an engineer in the machine-building industry in China. Between 1980-83 he conducted research on engineering plasticity at Cambridge University, UK, receiving his PhD in 1983. Between 1984-91, he was a professor at Peking University, China, this was followed by a period as reader at UMIST, UK, until he joined HKUST in 1995. His research interests mainly focus on Impact Dynamics, Engineering Plasticity and Energy Absorption. He has published 7 books and 230 academic papers in refereed journals or as book chapters. He received a Royal Society (UK) Visiting Fellowship in 1991, a China Higher Education Science and Technology Award (1st class) in 2001. As a recognition of his outstanding contribution to applied mechanics, Cambridge University awarded him ScD (Doctor of Science) in 1995.

Methodology for analysing energy absorbing capacities; Dimensional analysis and experimental techniques; Rings and ring systems; Thin-walled members under transverse loading; Axial crushing of thin-walled members; Impact on structures and inertia-sensitivity; Plastic deformation and ductile tearing; Cylindrical and spherical shells; Cellular materials; Composite materials and structures; Case studies.