This report provides a prelude to the work developed by Smirnov et al [1-4] considering the damage model of laminated composite materials. An overview of the thermodynamic definitions, concepts, and principles will be presented. This overview of the thermodynamics is necessary to provided the background needed to understand the damage model, which is based on thermodynamic principles. The essentials will be presented as follows: concepts and definitions, balancing laws, thermodynamic equilibrium or thermostatic, and the thermodynamic process. Furthermore, the essentials of the thermodynamics will be used to illustrate the development of the model of failure given by Kiselev and Yumashev [5]. The Kiselev and Yumashev model will be discussed prior to Smirnov's damage model since both are similar in their postulation of damage for structures undergoing impacts, and are based on thermodynamic principles. However, they are different in that the former is developed for elastoplastic isotropic homogenous material, and the latter is developed for laminated composite materials based on viscoelastic constitutive laws. That is, the constitutive equations for an elastoplastic material will be discussed to illustrate the use of a thermodynamic model of failure first, then the constitutive relations that incorporate a time dependent viscoelastic laminated composite materials will eventually be added in a subsequent report. 2.2 Thermodynamic Process Section 3: Conclusion References 83 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of Information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing Instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports,