A crucial element of structural and continuum mechanics, stability theory has limitless applications in civil, mechanical, aerospace, naval and nuclear engineering. This text of unparalleled scope presents a comprehensive exposition of the principles and applications of stability analysis. It has been proven as a text for introductory courses and various advanced courses for graduate students. It is also prized as an exhaustive reference for engineers and researchers.The authors' focus on understanding of the basic principles rather than excessive detailed solutions, and their treatment of each subject proceed from simple examples to general concepts and rigorous formulations. All the results are derived using as simple mathematics as possible. Numerous examples are given and 700 exercise problems help in attaining a firm grasp of this central aspect of solid mechanics.The book is an unabridged republication of the 1991 edition by Oxford University Press and the 2003 edition by Dover, updated with 18 pages of end notes.Contents:Buckling of Elastic Columns by Equilibrium AnalysisBuckling of Elastic Frames by Equilibrium AnalysisDynamic Analysis of StabilityEnergy MethodsEnergy Analysis of Continuous Structures and Approximate MethodsThin-Walled BeamsPlates and ShellsElastoplastic BucklingCreep BucklingStability of Inelastic Structures; Bifurcation and Thermodynamic BasisThree Dimensional Continuum Instabilities and Effects of Finite Strain TensorFracture as a Stability ProblemDamage and Localization InstabilitiesReadership: Advanced undergraduates and graduate students, academia and researchers in structural stability.