ABSTRACT
The terms used in this title are familiar; therefore attempting a formal denition might be somewhat articial. Damage is usually associated with a mechanical degradation. When damage is extensive, a loss of integrity or failure takes place. This means the structural member no longer participates in resisting the external loading. The term fragmentation usually suggests a breakup of an element into more than two pieces. The criteria of failure used here are based on stress and strain and are consistent with those described in Chapter 6. Many approaches developed elsewhere in this book come together in this chapter.
