The rapid pace of current developments in the theoretical, analytical, numerical and experimental fields of dynamic failure of materials called for an international seminar of workshop style aimed at improving the finding and understanding of solutions to the basic physical processes involved in dynamic failure. The Vienna Seminar DFM-l was held at the Technical University Vienna in the historic administration building in the city center under the auspices of the university. More than 30 international experts from all over the world followed the invitation to participate at this seminar. High in the list of priorities was the common desire for ample time for discussions after each technical presenta­ tion, a fact and a chance frequently made overextensive use of during the seminar. Thus, opportunity was given to the seminar participants to present and expose ideas and results of their original research work, either terminated, ongoing, proposed or conceived and intended, to an international forum of experts for critical discussions, evaluation and appraisal. The technical program included dynamic failure of polymers and steel, numerical modelling of fracture processes, experimental techniques and analytical/numerical investigation of crack/wave interaction problems. The scope of the contributions stretched from implementation of advanced mathematical techniques in the theoretical developments to most direct applications in various fields of engineering practice. Papers published in this volume represent revised, updated and expanded versions of the seminar contributions.