AN ENGINEERING COMPANION TO THE MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Mechanics of materials is a foundational topic in nearly every engineering discipline, but especially in mechanical and structural engineering. It addresses how forces of various kinds affect the shape and integrity of materials used for engineered structures--from buildings to automobiles to aircraft. Traditionally, mechanics of materials (also known as 'strength of materials') has been taught in a component structure--principles, underlying math, more complicated principles, more complicated math, and then applications. In this new book, the authors offer a better, class-room tested approach using a systems method: mechanics of materials is, in its fundamental concepts, introduced as a part of engineering mechanical design, in real-world terms and then, as needed, more complex principles and examples are layered in to help solve more difficult real-world engineering design problems. Thus, this book will offer students and instructors a refreshing new approach to learning one of the core topics in engineering mechanics while never losing sight of its contextual importance to overall engineering design.