Fracture and Fatigue in Wood

Wood is the world's most used structural material but its deformation and failure processes are poorly understood compared to knowledge about man-made materials like metals, concrete, ceramics, glass and plastics. Combining materials science, wood science and engineering mechanics perspectives, Fracture and Fatigue in Wood steers away from empirical experience and focuses on a mechanics-based study of deformation and failure in wood, providing a deep understanding of underlying physical processes. Fracture and Fatigue in Wood covers: interpretation of experimental information about fracture and cyclic and static fatigue behaviour of wood; the latest modelling techniques and test evidence on fracture and fatigue microscopic processes; wood structure, ranging from molecular to gross levels, physical and mechanical properties of wood and their inherent relationship; models for predicting fracture and cyclic and static fatigue in wood; practical application of information, concepts and models of mechanical properties for fracture and fatigue in wood, components and structural systems. This unique resource will appeal to postgraduate students in timber engineering, solid mechanics and wood science. Wood scientists, materials scientists, and structural engineering practitioners and researchers will also find it a valuable reference.Smith, Ian is the author of 'Fracture and Fatigue in Wood' with ISBN 9780471487081 and ISBN 0471487082.