This electronic text summarizes the physical laws, mathematical
methods, and computer algorithms that are used to predict the response
of materials and structures to mechanical or thermal loading.
Topics
include: the mathematical descriptions of deformation and forces in
solids; constitutive laws; analytical techniques and solutions to
linear elastic and elastic-plastic boundary value problems; the use
and theory of finite element analysis; fracture mechanics; and the
theory of deformable rods, plates and shells.
Over 400 practice problems
are provided, as well as demonstration finite element codes in MAPLE and MATLAB.
The text is intended
for advanced undergraduate or graduate students, as well as practicing
engineers and scientists. It will be particularly useful to readers who wish to
learn enough about solid mechanics to impress their teachers,
colleagues, research advisors, or managers, but who would prefer not
to study the subject in depth.
