Damage and Fracture Mechanics: Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials and Structures

The First African InterQuadrennial ICF Conference “AIQ-ICF2008” on Damage and Fracture Mechanics – Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials and Structures”, Algiers, Algeria, June 1–5, 2008 is the first in the series of InterQuadrennial Conferences on Fracture to be held in the continent of Africa. During the conference, African researchers have shown that they merit a strong reputation in international circles and continue to make substantial contributions to the field of fracture mechanics. As in most countries, the research effort in Africa is und- taken at the industrial, academic, private sector and governmental levels, and covers the whole spectrum of fracture and fatigue. The AIQ-ICF2008 has brought together researchers and engineers to review and discuss advances in the development of methods and approaches on Damage and Fracture Mechanics. By bringing together the leading international experts in the field, AIQ-ICF promotes technology transfer and provides a forum for industry and researchers of the host nation to present their accomplishments and to develop new ideas at the highest level. International Conferences have an important role to play in the technology transfer process, especially in terms of the relationships to be established between the participants and the informal exchange of ideas that this ICF offers.

The proceedings of the AIQ-ICF conference is a collection of papers on recent advances in methods and approaches to Damage Control and Fracture Mechanics.

Written by leading international experts in the area, this book presents new ideas in the field at the highest level and will promote technology transfer and be a key reference for researchers in industry and academia. Subjects cover the broad field of materials properties and performance, including computational approaches to engineering and modelling, materials for energy applications, nanomaterials, biomaterials/biomechanics, pipeline materials, stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement, design and construction in joininglwelds, high strength steel (XI00 and higher), fracture mechanics, structural reliability, failure analysis, fatigue, environmentally assisted cracking, fracture dynamics, polymers and composites, and reinforced concrete.