An Introduction to Continuum Mechanics

This textbook on continuum mechanics reflects the modern view that scientists and engineers should be trained to think and work in multidisciplinary environments. A course on continuum mechanics introduces the basic principles of mechanics and prepares students for advanced courses in traditional and emerging fields such as biomechanics and nanomechanics. This text introduces the main concepts of continuum mechanics simply with rich supporting examples but does not compromise mathematically in providing the invariant form as well as component form of the basic equations and their applications to problems in elasticity, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students. The book features: derivations of the basic equations of mechanics in invariant (vector and tensor) form and specializations of the governing equations to various coordinate systems; numerous illustrative examples; chapter-end summaries; and exercise problems to test and extend the understanding of concepts presented.