Mathematical Applications In Continuum And Structural Mechanics

This book presents a range of research projects focusing on innovative numerical and modeling strategies for the nonlinear analysis of structures and metamaterials. The topics covered concern various analysis approaches based on classical finite element solutions, structural optimization, and analytical solutions in order to present a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific advances. Although based on pioneering research, the contributions are focused on immediate and direct application in practice, providing valuable tools for researchers and practicing professionals alike.

The book opens with a derivation of kinematically nonlinear 3-D continuum mechanics for solids. Then the principle of virtual work is utilized to derive the simpler, kinematically linear 3-D theory and to provide the foundation for developing consistent theories of kinematic nonlinearity and linearity for specialized continua, such as beams and plates, and finite element methods for these structures. A formulation in terms of the versatile Budiansky-Hutchinson notation is used as basis for the theories for these structures and structural elements, as well as for an in-depth treatment of structural instability.

This volume presents a collection of contributions on advanced approaches of continuum mechanics, which were written to celebrate the 60th birthday of Prof. Holm Altenbach. The contributions are on topics related to the theoretical foundations for the analysis of rods, shells and three-dimensional solids, formulation of constitutive models for advanced materials, as well as development of new approaches to the modeling of damage and fractures.

This book examines mathematical tools, principles, and fundamental applications of continuum mechanics, providing a solid basis for a deeper study of more challenging problems in elasticity, fluid mechanics, plasticity, piezoelectricity, ferroelectricity, magneto-fluid mechanics, and state changes. The work is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers in applied mathematics, mathematical physics, and engineering.

A detailed and self-contained text written for beginners, Continuum Mechanics offers concise coverage of the basic concepts, general principles, and applications of continuum mechanics. Without sacrificing rigor, the clear and simple mathematical derivations are made accessible to a large number of students with little or no previous background in solid or fluid mechanics. With the inclusion of more than 250 fully worked-out examples and 500 worked exercises, this book is certain to become a standard introductory text for students as well as an indispensable reference for professionals. Key Features * Provides a clear and self-contained treatment of vectors, matrices, and tensors specifically tailored to the needs of continuum mechanics * Develops the concepts and principles common to all areas in solid and fluid mechanics with a common notation and terminology * Covers the fundamentals of elasticity theory and fluid mechanics

This textbook's methodological approach familiarizes readers with the mathematical tools required to correctly define and solve problems in continuum mechanics. Covering essential principles and fundamental applications, this second edition of Continuum Mechanics using Mathematica® provides a solid basis for a deeper study of more challenging and specialized problems related to nonlinear elasticity, polar continua, mixtures, piezoelectricity, ferroelectricity, magneto-fluid mechanics and state changes (see A. Romano, A. Marasco, Continuum Mechanics: Advanced Topics and Research Trends, Springer (Birkhäuser), 2010, ISBN 978-0-8176-4869-5). Key topics and features: * Concise presentation strikes a balance between fundamentals and applications * Requisite mathematical background carefully collected in two introductory chapters and one appendix * Recent developments highlighted through coverage of more significant applications to areas such as wave propagation, fluid mechanics, porous media, linear elasticity. This second edition expands the key topics and features to include: * Two new applications of fluid dynamics: meteorology and navigation * New exercises at the end of the existing chapters * The packages are rewritten for Mathematica 9 Continuum Mechanics using Mathematica®: Fundamentals, Applications and Scientific Computing is aimed at advanced undergraduates, graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics, mathematical physics and engineering. It may serve as a course textbook or self-study reference for anyone seeking a solid foundation in continuum mechanics.

This is an intermediate book for beginning postgraduate students and junior researchers, and offers up-to-date content on both continuum mechanics and elasticity. The material is self-contained and should provide readers sufficient working knowledge in both areas. Though the focus is primarily on vector and tensor calculus (the so-called coordinate-free approach), the more traditional index notation is used whenever it is deemed more sensible. With the increasing demand for continuum modeling in such diverse areas as mathematical biology and geology, it is imperative to have various approaches to continuum mechanics and elasticity. This book presents these subjects from an applied mathematics perspective. In particular, it extensively uses linear algebra and vector calculus to develop the fundamentals of both subjects in a way that requires minimal use of coordinates (so that beginning graduate students and junior researchers come to appreciate the power of the tensor notation).

As most modern technologies are no longer discipline-specific but involve multidisciplinary approaches, undergraduate engineering students should be introduced to the principles of mechanics so that they have a strong background in the basic principles common to all disciplines and are able to work at the interface of science and engineering disciplines. This textbook is designed for a first course on principles of mechanics and provides an introduction to the basic concepts of stress and strain and conservation principles. It prepares engineer-scientists for advanced courses in traditional as well as emerging fields such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, energy systems, and computational mechanics. This simple book presents the subjects of mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer in a unified form using the conservation principles of mechanics.