Fracture mechanics - An interpretive technical history

In this paper, the historical context of the development of what is now known as 'Fracture Mechanics' is selectively developed. We start from the safety and economic motivations, and review the essential efforts, over the centuries, to develop the ability to predict fracture and those factors leading up to final catastrophic events. The experimental and analytical quantitative aspects, and their interdependence, are emphasized. It is shown how these efforts were integrated to define the field we now know as Fracture Mechanics. The paper concludes with some thoughts on unmet needs and new directions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.