The engineering community is increasingly interested in the concept of explosive action and the associated failure of structural elements. This book addresses these topics in an approachable and comprehensive way, covering the civilian, military, and infrastructure protection fields. Self-contained and concise, it presents formulas and methodology to determine dynamic response to shock loads. It also explores a range of mechanical and civil engineering applications. The text enables engineers to calculate what happens to structures and objects when pushed, pulled, or jerked, by giving formulas, solved problems, and illustrations.