In this book a systematic discussion of crack problems in elastic-plastic materials is presented. The state of the art in fracture mechanics research and assessment of cracks is documented, with the help of analytic, asymptotic methods as well as finite element computations. After a brief introduction to fracture mechanics, the two-parameter concept for stationary cracks is studied in addition to the issues in three-dimensional crack fields under coupling with strong out-of-plane effects. Cracks along interfaces and crack growth problems under mixed mode conditions are also treated. A systematic study of stress singularities for different notches is accompanied by detailed finite element computations.

1. Introduction.- 2. Cracks under stationary conditions.- 2.1 Higher-order solutions for pressure-sensitive materials.- 2.2 Two-parameter characterizations for engineering materials.- 2.3 Effects of biaxial loads to plane stress cracks.- 2.4 Three-dimensional crack front fields.- 2.5 Remarks.- 3. Cracks under thermal-mechanical loading conditions.- 3.1 Characterization of cracks under high temperature gradients.- 3.2 Scaling of temperature-induced material inhomogeity.- 3.3 Effects of transient thermal loading.- 3.4 Remarks.- 4. Interface cracks.- 4.1 Stationary interface crack tip fields.- 4.2 Quasi-static crack growth.- 4.3 Dynamic interface crack growth.- 4.4 Remarks.- 5. Mixed mode crack propagation.- 5.1 Static crack growth under combined mode I and III conditions.- 5.2 Dynamic crack growth under combined mode I and III conditions.- 5.3 Remarks.- 6. Assessment of apex-V notches.- 6.1 Higher-order solutions for power-law hardening materials.- 6.2 Notches in pressure-sensitive materials.- 6.3 Remarks.- References.