A First Course in Continuum Mechanics

A concise account of classic theories of fluids and solids, for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in continuum mechanics.

Oscar Gonzalez (Author), Andrew M. Stuart (Author)

9780521714242, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 January 2008

414 pages, 176 exercises
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.61 kg

'… some of the characteristics of an excellent study guide are clearly evident here - lucid exposition, copious exercises (many with complete worked solutions), and an obvious attention to detail - and the fact that the text has been honed at the chalk faces of Stanford and Warwick Universities provides a strong indication that were one charged with teaching the fundamentals of continuum mechanics to graduate or advanced undergraduate students this would be an excellent book to use … I am confident in my assessment that this is an exceptional book … Having read through Gonzalez and Stuart's book, … I have deepened my knowledge considerably. I can certainly envisage turning to this book whenever the applicability of the equations I am studying is an issue … This book forms part of the highly regarded Cambridge Texts in Applied Mathematics and it can only serve to enhance that series' reputation.' Contemporary Physics

A concise account of various classic theories of fluids and solids, this book is for courses in continuum mechanics for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Thoroughly class-tested in courses at Stanford University and the University of Warwick, it is suitable for both applied mathematicians and engineers. The only prerequisites are an introductory undergraduate knowledge of basic linear algebra and differential equations. Unlike most existing works at this level, this book covers both isothermal and thermal theories. The theories are derived in a unified manner from the fundamental balance laws of continuum mechanics. Intended both for classroom use and for self-study, each chapter contains a wealth of exercises, with fully worked solutions to odd-numbered questions. A complete solutions manual is available to instructors upon request. Short bibliographies appear at the end of each chapter, pointing to material which underpins or expands upon the material discussed.

Preface
1. Tensor algebra
2. Tensor calculus
3. Continuum mass and force concepts
4. Kinematics
5. Balance laws
6. Isothermal fluid mechanics
7. Isothermal solid mechanics
8. Thermal fluid mechanics
9. Thermal solid mechanics
Answers to selected problems
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Mechanics of solids [TGMD], Fluid mechanics [PHDF]