En -Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics

Preface

The last few decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in the application

of numerical computation to problems in solid and structural mechanics. The

burgeoning of computational mechanics opened a pedagogical gap between

traditional courses in elementary strength of materials and the finite element

method that classical courses on advanced strength of materials and elasticity

do not adequately fill. In the past, our ability to formulate theory exceeded our

ability to compute. In those days, solid mechanics was for virtuosos. With the

advent of the finite element method, our ability to compute has surpassed our

ability to formulate theory. As a result, continuum mechanics is no longer the

province of the specialist.

What an engineer needs to know about mechanics has been forever changed

by our capacity to compute. This book attempts to capitalize on the pedagogical

opportunities implicit in this shift of perspective. It now seems more appropriate

to focus on fundamental principles and formulations than on classical

solution techniques.

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