Introduction To Continuum Mechanics For Engineers

INTRODUCTION TO CONTINUUM MECHANICS FOR ENGINEERS (REVISED EDITION) 2004 By Ray M. Bowen Professor of Mechanical Engineering President Emeritus Texas A&M University (First Edition Originally Published By Plenum Press 1989 as Volume 39) (of Mathematical Concepts and Methods in Science and Engineering) (ISBN 0-306-43050-9) (Series Editor: Angelo Miele) Copyright Ray M. Bowen Preface (First Edition) This textbook is intended to introduce engineering graduate students to the essentials of modern Continuum Mechanics. The objective of an introductory course is to establish certain classical continuum models within a modern framework. Engineering students need a firm understanding of classical models such as the linear viscous fluids (Navier-Stokes theory) and infinitesimal elasticity. This understanding should include an appreciation for the status of the classical theories as special cases of general nonlinear continuum models. The relationship of the classical theories to nonlinear models is essential in light of the increasing reliance, by engineering designers and researchers, on prepackaged computer codes. These codes are based upon models which have a specific and limited range of validity. Given the danger associated with the use of these computer codes in circumstances where the model is not valid, engineers have a need for an in depth understanding of continuum mechanics and the continuum models which can be formulated by use of continuum mechanics techniques. Classical continuum models and others involve a utilization of the balance equations of continuum mechanics, the second law of thermodynamics, the principles of material frameindifference and material symmetry. In addition, they involve linearizations of various types. In this text, an effort is made to explain carefully how the governing principles, linearizations and other approximations combine to yield classical continuum mod