Fatigue of materials refers to the changes in properties resulting from the application of cyclic loads. Research into the deformation and fracture of materials by fatigue dates back to the nineteenth century. This branch of study has long been concerned with engineering approaches to design against fatigue cracks initiation and failure. However, along with the development of ‘science of materials’ and ‘fracture mechanics’ in recent decades, fatigue of materials has also emerged as a major area of scientific and applied research which encompasses such diverse disciplines as materials science (including the science of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites), mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering, biomechanics, applied physics and applied mathematics. With the increasing emphasis on advanced materials, the scope of fatigue research continues to broaden at a rapid pace.

This book is written with the purpose of presenting the principles of cyclic deformation and fatigue fracture in materials. The main approach adopted here focuses attention on scientific concepts and mechanisms. Since fatigue of materials is a topic of utmost concern in many engineering applications, this book also includes discussions on the extension of basic concepts to practical situations, wherever appropriate. In writing this book, I have attempted to achieve the following objectives:

1. (i) To present an integrated treatment, in as quantitative terms as possible, of the mechanics, physics and micromechanisms of cyclic deformation, crack initiation and crack growth by fatigue. […]