The materials mechanics of the controlled separation of a body into two or more parts – cutting – using a blade or tool or other mechanical implement is a ubiquitous process in most engineering disciplines. This is the only book available devoted to the cutting of materials generally, the mechanics of which (toughness, fracture, deformation, plasticity, tearing, grating, chewing, etc.) have wide ranging implications for engineers, medics, manufacturers, and process engineers, making this text of particular interest to a wide range of engineers and specialists.

1 Controlled and uncontrolled separation of parts. 2 Strength and fracture mechanics: the basics. 3 Processes of separation. 4 Surface work and microstructure 5 Orthogonal cutting: microtoming to metal planeing 6 Types of chip: Fracture transitions and load fluctuations 7 Oblique cutting and curved blades: Bacon slicing to helical milling 8 Three-dimensional Cutting: Penetration, scratching, grinding, abrasive wear 9 Sawing: the design and function of serrations and the removal of matter 10 Piercing and perforating: punctures, arms and armor 11 Sharpness and Bluntness 12 Dynamic cutting 12 Biological and medical cutting 13 Unintentional cutting. Supermarket plastic bags, falling objects, ships hitting rocks.