The aim of the book is the presentation of the fundamental mathematical and physical concepts of continuum mechanics of solids in a unified description so as to bring young researchers rapidly close to their research area. Accordingly, emphasis is given to concepts of permanent interest, and details of minor importance are omitted. The formulation is achieved systematically in absolute tensor notation, which is almost exclusively used in modern literature. This mathematical tool is presented such that study of the book is possible without permanent reference to other works.

Providing a modern and comprehensive coverage of continuum mechanics, this volume includes information on "variational principles"--Significant, as this is the only method by which such material is actually utilized in engineering practice.

This book offers a recipe for constructing the numerical models for representing the complex nonlinear behavior of structures and their components, represented as deformable solid bodies. Its appeal extends to those interested in linear problems of mechanics.

Many processes in materials science and engineering, such as the load deformation behaviour of certain structures, exhibit nonlinear characteristics. The computer simulation of such processes therefore requires a deep understanding of both the theoretical aspects of nonlinearity and the associated computational techniques. This book provides a complete set of exercises and solutions in the field of theoretical and computational nonlinear continuum mechanics and is the perfect companion to Nonlinear Continuum Mechanics for Finite Element Analysis, where the authors set out the theoretical foundations of the subject. It employs notation consistent with the theory book and serves as a great resource to students, researchers and those in industry interested in gaining confidence by practising through examples. Instructors of the subject will also find the book indispensable in aiding student learning.

A unified treatment of nonlinear continuum analysis and finite element techniques.

Deformable solids, that is to say, those which undergo changes in geometry when subjected to external loads or other types of solicitations, as well as other related topics are the focus of this book. Within the main field, this text deals with advanced linear elasticity and plasticity approaches and the behavioural study of more complex types of materials. This includes composites of more recent manufacture and others whose material characterisation has only recently been possible. It also describes how linear elastic behaviour extends to anisotropic materials in general and how deformations can result in small or large strain components. The information on plastic behaviour expands to include strain hardening of the materials. Amongst other new topics incorporated into this volume are studies of hyperelastic materials, which can represent elastomeric and some types of biological materials. A section of the book deals with viscoelastic materials, i.e. those who deform when subjected to long-term loads. The behaviour of viscoplasticity, as well as elasto-viscoplasticity, describes well other types of materials, including those present in many geotechnical sites. The objective of this volume is to present material that can be used for teaching continuum mechanics to students of mechanical, civil or aeronautical engineering. In order to understand the contents the reader only needs to know linear algebra and differential calculus. Examples have been included throughout the text and at the end of each chapter, exercises are presented which can be used to check on comprehension of the theoretical information presented.

Three subjects of major interest in one textbook: linear elasticity, mechanics of structures in linear isotropic elasticity, and nonlinear mechanics including computational algorithms. After the simplest possible, intuitive approach there follows the mathematical formulation and analysis, with computational methods occupying a good portion of the book. There are several worked-out problems in each chapter and additional exercises at the end of the book, plus mathematical expressions are bery often given in more than one notation. The book is intended primarily for students and practising engineers in mechanical and civil engineering, although students and experts from applied mathematics, materials science and other related fields will also find it useful.