1. Introduction -- 2. Strength and safety in design -- 3. Elements of fracture mechanics -- 4. The design against fracture: philosophy and practices -- 5. Fracture mechanisms in metals -- 6. Failure mechanisms in composite materials -- 7. Metallurgical failures -- 8. General practices in failure analysis -- 9. Role of electron fractography in failure analysis -- 10. Design against fatigue and ductile failures -- 11. Design against failures caused by temperature & environment.