Damage and fracture of metallic materials at high temperatures

The overview of theoretical ideas and experimental knowledge is given conce rning mechanisms and processes of nucleation and growth stages of fracture in metallic materials at elevated and high temperatures. A special attentio n is devoted to the quantification and modelling of observed phenomena. In particular, the reflection of new ideas in fractographic conferences connec ted with name of Prof. Ing. Vojtech Karel, DrSc. is covered. The closing pa rt of the paper summarizes the expected future trends in fractographic stud ies concerning high temperature mechanical integrity of metallic materials.