The Mathematical Foundation Of Structural Mechanics

This book attempts to acquaint engineers who have mastered the essentials of structural mechanics with the mathematical foundation of their science, of structural mechanics of continua. The prerequisites are modest. A good working knowledge of calculus is sufficient. The intent is to develop a consistent and logical framework of theory which will provide a general understanding of how mathematics forms the basis of structural mechanics. Emphasis is placed on a systematic, unifying and rigorous treatment. Acknowledgements The author feels indebted to the engineers Prof. D. Gross, Prof. G. Mehlhorn and Prof. H. G. Schafer (TH Darmstadt) whose financial support allowed him to follow his inclinations and to study mathematics, to Prof. E. Klingbeil and Prof. W. Wendland (TH Darmstadt) for their unceasing effort to achieve the impossible, to teach an engineer mathematics, to the staff of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, for their generous hospitality in the academic year 1980-1981, to Prof. R. Szilard (Univ. of Dortmund) for the liberty he granted the author in his daily chores, to Mrs. Thompson (Univ. of Dortmund) and Prof. L. Kollar (Budapest/Univ. of Dortmund) for their help in the preparation of the final draft, to my young colleagues, Dipl.-Ing. S. Pickhardt, Dipl.-Ing. D. Ziesing and Dipl.-Ing. R. Zotemantel for many fruitful discussions, and to cando ing. P. Schopp and Frau Middeldorf for their help in the production of the manuscript. Dortmund, January 1985 Friedel Hartmann Contents Notations ........................................................... XII Introduction ........................................................ .

A solid introduction to basic continuum mechanics, emphasizing variational formulations and numeric computation. The book offers a complete discussion of numerical method techniques used in the study of 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.

This book traces the evolution of theory of structures and strength of materials - the development of the geometrical thinking of the Renaissance to become the fundamental engineering science discipline rooted in classical mechanics. Starting with the strength experiments of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo, the author examines the emergence of individual structural analysis methods and their formation into theory of structures in the 19th century. For the first time, a book of this kind outlines the development from classical theory of structures to the structural mechanics and computational mechanics of the 20th century. In doing so, the author has managed to bring alive the differences between the players with respect to their engineering and scientific profiles and personalities, and to create an understanding for the social context. Brief insights into common methods of analysis, backed up by historical details, help the reader gain an understanding of the history of structural mechanics from the standpoint of modern engineering practice. A total of 175 brief biographies of important personalities in civil and structural engineering as well as structural mechanics plus an extensive bibliography round off this work.

Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics, Dynamics, and Stability examines structural mechanics from a foundational point of view and allows students to use logical inference and creative reasoning to solve problems versus rote memorization. It presents underlying theory and emphasizes the relevant mathematical concepts as related to structural mechanics in each chapter. Problems, examples, and case studies are provided throughout, as well as simulations to help further illustrate the content. Features: Presents the material from general theory and fundamentals through to practical applications. Explains the finite element method for elastic bodies, trusses, frames, non-linear behavior of materials, and more. Includes numerous practical worked examples and case studies throughout each chapter. Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics, Dynamics, and Stability serves as a useful text for students and instructors as well as practicing engineers.

This book offers valuable insights and provides effective tools useful for imagining, creating, and promoting novel and challenging developments in structural mechanics. It addresses a wide range of topics, such as mechanics and geotechnics, vibration and damping, damage and friction, experimental methods, and advanced structural materials. It also discusses analytical, experimental and numerical findings, focusing on theoretical and practical issues and innovations in the field. Collecting some of the latest results from the Lagrange Laboratory, a European scientific research group, mainly consisting of Italian and French engineers, mechanicians and mathematicians, the book presents the most recent example of the long-term scientific cooperation between well-established French and Italian Mechanics, Mathematics and Engineering Schools. It is a valuable resource for postgraduate students, researchers and practitioners dealing with theoretical and practical issues in structural engineering.

This book introduces to the theory of structural dynamics, with focus on civil engineering structures that may be described by line-like beam or beam-column type of systems, or by a system of rectangular plates. Throughout this book the mathematical presentation contains a classical analytical description as well as a description in a discrete finite element format, covering the mathematical development from basic assumptions to the final equations ready for practical dynamic response predictions. Solutions are presented in time domain as well as in frequency domain. Structural Dynamics starts off at a basic level and step by step brings the reader up to a level where the necessary safety considerations to wind or horizontal ground motion induced dynamic design problems can be performed. The special theory of the tuned mass damper has been given a comprehensive treatment, as this is a theory not fully covered elsewhere. For the same reason a chapter on the problem of moving loads on beams has been included.

This book is a comprehensive presentation of the fundamental aspects of structural mechanics and analysis. It aims to help develop in the students the ability to analyze structures in a simple and logical manner. The major thrust in this book is on energy principles. The text, organized into sixteen chapters, covers the entire syllabus of structural analysis usually prescribed in the undergraduate level civil engineering programme and covered in two courses. The first eight chapters deal with the basic techniques for analysis, based on classical methods, of common determinate structural elements and simple structures. The following eight chapters cover the procedures for analysis of indeterminate structures, with emphasis on the use of modern matrix methods such as flexibility and stiffness methods, including the finite element techniques. Primarily designed as a textbook for undergraduate students of civil engineering, the book will also prove immensely useful for professionals engaged in structural design and engineering.