This important study focuses on the way in which structures and materials can be best designed to absorb kinetic energy in a controllable and predictable manner. Understanding of energy absorption of structures and materials is important in calculating the damage to structures caused by accidental collision, assessing the residual strength of structures after initial damage and in designing packaging to protect its contents in the event of impact. Whilst a great deal of recent research has taken place into the energy absorption behaviour of structures and materials and significant progress has been made, this knowledge is diffuse and widely scattered. This book offers a synthesis of the most recent developments and forms a detailed and comprehensive view of the area. It is an essential reference for all engineers concerned with materials engineering in relation to the theory of plasticity, structural mechanics and impact dynamics.About the Author: Guoxing Lu is currently Professor at the School of Engineering and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. His main research interest is energy absorption of structures. Tongxi Yu is Head and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His research interests mainly focus on Impact Dynamics, Engineering Plasticity and Energy Absorption.