Fundamentals of Fatigue Fracture

This book is written in the memory of late Prof. Mohan Narayanaswami Ranganathan (University of Tours, France), whose contributions to the fields of materials science, engineering, and fatigue have inspired generations of researchers. He had unrelenting intellectual curiosity that made him a truly gifted researcher. However, it was his interaction with colleagues and students where he left his profound mark. He had a unique way of looking at things and drawing in knowledge from different areas to provide a very different perspective. His optimistic view was particularly valuable when a given path seemed unnavigableâ"he always managed to find a path with his charm and charisma. He had a multidimensional personality, and he was a Renaissance man. Personally, he was amazing, always with a twinkle in his eyes, a smile, and a self-deprecating sense of humor. He was an outstanding role model and an amazing man. Prof. Ranganathan passed away in 2022. Between 2021 and 2022, he was starting the process to write this book, and 13 colleagues and friends decided to end this process in his memory.

The book is a collective effort of world-renowned experts, some of whom were mentored by Prof. Ranganathan in the early stages of their careers, to honor his legacy by advancing the understanding of various fundamental aspects of fatigue and fracture in materials. The book comprises 11 chapters, which are focused on in-service failure analysis and fundamental fatigue data, fundamental fatigue crack propagation analysis, fundamental multiaxial fatigue analysis, effect of environment, defect, fundamental physics, and very high cycle loadings on fatigue failure. By integrating experimental insights with theoretical frameworks, the book aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and students engaged in materials science, mechanical engineering, fatigue, and related disciplines.