"The knowledge of fracture behavior of non-homogeneous materials is important in order to evaluate their structural integrity. A key feature of fracture which distinguishes non-homogeneous materials from homogeneous materials is that the resistance of the former to fracture and damage tolerance varies spatially. Consequently, analyses of fracture in non-homogeneous materials are considerably more complex than in the corresponding homogeneous case of the same specimen and crack geometry subjected to the same loading conditions. Associated complications involving spatially varying material constants have demanded the re-examination of the elastic crack problem. This new book brings together the diverse achievements in the field."--BOOK JACKET.