This book concentrates on the mathematical theory of plasticity and fracture, and presents it in a thermomechanical framework. It follows the macroscopic, phenomenological approach, which proposes equations abstracted from generally accepted experimental facts, studies the adequacy of the consequences drawn from these equations to those facts, and then provides useful tools for designers and engineers. Many examples of plasticity and fracture are presented, and each chapter concludes with problems for students.

This volume presents recent developments in the theory of defects and the mechanics of material forces. Most of the contributions were presented at the International Symposium on Defect and Material Forces (ISDMM2007), held in Aussois, France, March 2007.