This book is ideal for those involved in designing sheet metal forming processes. Knowledge of plasticity is essential for the computer simulation of metal forming processes, and understanding the advances in plasticity theory is key to formulating sound analyses. In this book, William Hosford makes the subjects simple by avoiding notations used by specialists in mechanics. R. Hill's authoritative book, Mathematical Theory of Plasticity (1950), presented a comprehensive treatment of continuum plasticity theory up to that time; although much of the treatment in this book covers the same ground, it focuses on more practical topics. Hosford has also included recent developments in continuum theory, including a newer treatment of anisotropy that has resulted from calculations of yielding based on crystallography, analysis of the role of defects, and forming limit diagrams. This text also puts a much greater emphasis on deformation mechanisms, and includes chapters on slip and dislocation theory and twinning.