Introduction to Fracture Mechanics presents an introduction to the origins, formulation and application of fracture mechanics for the design, safe operation and life prediction in structural materials and components. The book introduces and informs the reader on how fracture mechanics works and how it is so different from other forms of analysis that are used to characterize mechanical properties. Chapters cover foundational topics and the use of linear-elastic fracture mechanics, involvin...

In "The Gold Pince-Nez," Robert Welles Ritchie crafts a masterful blend of mystery and social commentary set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. The narrative unfolds through the lens of a complex detective story, intertwining themes of class disparity and the pursuit of justice within a rapidly changing society. Ritchie'Äôs literary style is characterized by sharp prose and vivid descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the atmospheric details of the era, wh...

A human and global take on a beloved vacation spot.The crash of surf, smell of salted air, wet whorls of sand underfoot. These are the sensations of the beach, that environment that has drawn humans to its life-sustaining shores for millennia. And while the gull’s cry and the cove’s splendor have remained constant throughout time, our relationship with the beach has been as fluid as the runnels left behind by the tide’s turning.The Lure of the Beach

The legends that die hardest are those of the romantic outlaw, and those of swashbuckling pirates are surely among the most durable. Swift ships, snug inns, treasures buried by torchlight, palm-fringed beaches, fabulous riches, and, most of all, freedom from the mean life of the laboring man are the stuff of this tradition reinforced by many a novel and film.It is disconcerting to think of such dashing scoundrels as slaves to economic forces, but so they were—as Robert Ritchie demo...

Protagonist: A hardy and determined individual whose background and motivations drive the narrative forward.Antagonists: Various villains and adversaries who pose threats, adding tension and conflict to the story.Allies and Companions: Characters who support the protagonist, each bringing their own strengths and stories to the journey.Indigenous Peoples: Representing the complex dynamics of the region, their interactions with the protagonist add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The late seventeenth century in America was important as an era of transition from rough settlement to established provincial life. It was a time when social, political, and economic problems caused strains that led to religious doubt, personal anxiety, riot, and one of the worst rebellions in the colonies. New York’s situation was further complicated by a series of political changes and a unique bicultural population.Originally published in 1977.A UNC Press Enduring Editio...

In "The Great Cardinal Seal," Robert Welles Ritchie intricately weaves a tale that explores the intersection of faith, power, and intrigue within the context of a Renaissance-era papacy. This historical fiction novel is marked by Ritchie's rich, evocative prose and meticulous attention to detail, capturing the political machinations and moral dilemmas of a time where the Church held both spiritual and temporal authority. The narrative delves into the symbolism of the titular Cardinal Seal,...

Japan took Korea—that is the bare fact. What went on under the surface is told in this footnote to history. The great things that happened in the Orient when Russia was driven back and the iron hand of Japan fell heavily on Korea are matters of history. Only the big outstanding facts, however, became known. What went on beneath the surface has been for the most part a closed book. In this story you get a side light on the machinations of the wily Jap, a new chapter in history writt...

Dust Of The Desert by Robert Welles Ritchie.

New Yorker Grant Hickman is a civil engineer who is desperately seeking a change of pace. He decides to travel west to turn over a new leaf in the vast desert of the U.S. Southwest. Little does he know that this fateful decision will alter the course of his life in both good and bad ways.

In "Dust of the Desert," Robert Welles Ritchie crafts a meticulously detailed account of the American Southwest, enriching the narrative with vivid descriptions and a profound appreciation for the landscape's historical and cultural complexities. The work merges elements of travel writing, memoir, and scholarly analysis, drawing on a rich tapestry of indigenous histories, settler narratives, and ecological observations. Ritchie's prose is elegant yet accessible, capturing the stark beauty ...