This book FFMST emphasizes fragmentation and fracture mechanics in the context of space technology. FFMST warrants the need for judiciously blending the principles and practice of continuum mechanics and discrete body dynamics including vibration theory and impact mechanics. The theory of fracture mechanics developed for cohesive solids examining the strain energy pathways towards the propagating crack tips and eventually culminating in fragmentation is elaborated in FFMST in the context of space technology. 

The typical area of fragmentation is a classified field analyzed and applied by specialists. FFMST introduces the topics to undergraduate students invoking a multidisciplinary approach. Such an educational perspective not only broadens understanding but also connects fragmentation studies for exploring exciting cosmological events, contributing to the design of more efficient and resilient satellites.

FFMST presents many sample problems with illustrations, tables, flowcharts, open access software tutorials furnishing hands-on experience for the students. Through this method, the text simplifies the compound concepts of fracture and fragmentation while preserving the rigor and depth of the subject matter. Conventional space science pedagogy involves advanced subjects like general theory of relativity, cosmology and quantum physics, where the mathematical models replete with abstract notions appears rather formidable; and, this book attempts to bridge the gap between the abstract and the applied aspects of space science and technology. 

This book FFMST aids the future generation of space scientists, engineers and technologists to build systems and protocols for launching missions and building space habitats and observatories besides assisting satellites surveillance for marine and aerospace navigation on Earth. A new viewpoint of harnessing the notions of fracture mechanics to solve basic classical and engineering mechanics problems would benefit the readers across diverse domains (from academia to industry) to model various phenomena/processes occurring in the outer space.

Sanketh J. Tonannavar is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the department of Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science (IISc). He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from B. V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology, Hubballi, Karnataka, India. He has a master’s degree in machine design from PES University, Bangalore and holds PhD from the department of Design and Manufacturing, IISc, Bangalore. His research interests are in the field of impact mechanics, nonlinear dynamics and structural health monitoring. Dr. Sanketh Tonannavar has extensive industry and research experience in experimental and computational modeling of fragmentation of brittle solids under impact. He is a recipient of Best PhD Thesis Award for the year 2024 at IISc.

Ajay B. Harish is a senior lecturer and Department Head of Education (Aerospace) in Engineering Simulation and Data Science at the School of Engineering, University of Manchester since 2022. His group (www.harishlab.com) has expertise in the development of numerical methods with a focus on contact and impact mechanics and their applications in space and biomedical areas. His academic background includes Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany; Masters in Aeronautics from California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA; B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from NITK Surathkal (India). He also received the prestigious Ramanujan Fellowship from the Government of India in 2022. He has received the Russel R. Vought Fellowship in 2007-08, scholarship from Continental AG in 2011-15, was honoured with the Viktor-Rizkallah Award for best international researcher by the Leibniz Foundation in 2016, Best researcher in Mechanics by the Mechanics division of Leibniz Foundation in 2017, LUT Foundation scholarship in 2017 and 2019. His research work contributes towards SDG(s) such as 3, 4, 9 and 10.

K. R. Y. Simha is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IISc, Bengaluru, India. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bangalore University, a master’s degree from IISc, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA. His research expertise includes experimental mechanics, fracture mechanics, impact mechanics, dynamic problems in engineering, failure mode analysis of industrial problems, and digital photoelasticity. Prof. Simha has authored textbooks and handbooks titled Fracture Mechanics for Modern Engineering Design, Applied Impact Mechanics, and Mining and Rock Construction Technology. He has published over 100 technical publications in the reputed journals and conferences. At IISc, Prof. Simha has held several leadership roles, such as Chair of the Department of Management Studies, and the Chair of the Centre for Industrial Consultancy. He has also served as President of the Indian Society for Applied Mechanics (ISAM) and is a member of Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM).