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 as well as the issues in three-dimensional crack fields under coupling with strong out-of-plane effects. Cracks along interfaces are treated as well as crack growth problems under mixed mode conditions. A systematic study of stress singularities for different notches is accompanied by detailed finite element computations.
