The word "elements" in the title of this book does not convey the implica tion that its contents are "elementary" in the sense of "easy": it mainly means that no prerequisites are required, with the exception of some basic background in classical physics and calculus. It also signifies "devoted to the foundations". In fact, the arguments chosen are all very classical, and the formal or technical developments of this century are absent, as well as a detailed treatment of such problems as the theory of the planetary motions and other very concrete mechanical problems. This second meaning, however, is the result of the necessity of finishing this work in a reasonable amount of time rather than an a priori choice. Therefore a detailed review of the "few" results of ergodic theory, of the "many" results of statistical mechanics, of the classical theory of fields (elasticity and waves), and of quantum mechanics are also totally absent; they could constitute the subject of two additional volumes on mechanics. This book grew out of several courses on meccanica razionaie, i.e., essentially, theoretical mechanics, which I gave at the University of Rome during the years 1975-1978.

The book systematically presents variational principles and methods of analysis for applied elasticity and structural mechanics. The variational approach is used consistently for both, constructing numerical procedures and deriving basic governing equations of applied mechanics of solids; it is the derivation of equations where this approach is most powerful and best grounded by mathematics.

Elements of Continuum Mechanics and Conservation Laws presents a systematization of different models in mathematical physics, a study of the structure of conservation laws, thermodynamical identities, and connection with criteria for well-posedness of the corresponding mathematical problems. The theory presented in this book stems from research carried out by the authors concerning the formulations of differential equations describing explosive deformations of metals. In such processes, elasticity equations are used in some zones, whereas hydrodynamics equations are stated in other zones. Plastic deformations appear in transition zones, which leads to residual stresses. The suggested model contains some relaxation terms which simulate these plastic deformations. Certain laws of thermodynamics are used in order to describe and study differential equations simulating the physical processes. This leads to the special formulation of differential equations using generalized thermodynamical potentials.

Fracture mechanics has established itself as an important discipline of growing interest to those working to assess the safety, reliability and service life of engineering structures and materials. In order to calculate the loading situation at cracks and defects, nowadays numerical techniques like finite element method (FEM) have become indispensable tools for a broad range of applications. The present monograph provides an introduction to the essential concepts of fracture mechanics, its main goal being to procure the special techniques for FEM analysis of crack problems, which have to date only been mastered by experts. All kinds of static, dynamic and fatigue fracture problems are treated in two- and three-dimensional elastic and plastic structural components. The usage of the various solution techniques is demonstrated by means of sample problems selected from practical engineering case studies. The primary target group includes graduate students, researchers in academia and engineers in practice.

This is the key text and reference for engineers, researchers and senior students dealing with the analysis and modelling of structures – from large civil engineering projects such as dams, to aircraft structures, through to small engineered components. Covering small and large deformation behaviour of solids and structures, it is an essential book for engineers and mathematicians. The new edition is a complete solids and structures text and reference in its own right and forms part of the world-renowned Finite Element Method series by Zienkiewicz and Taylor. New material in this edition includes separate coverage of solid continua and structural theories of rods, plates and shells; extended coverage of plasticity (isotropic and anisotropic); node-to-surface and 'mortar' method treatments; problems involving solids and rigid and pseudo-rigid bodies; and multi-scale modelling. - Dedicated coverage of solid and structural mechanics by world-renowned authors, Zienkiewicz and Taylor - New material including separate coverage of solid continua and structural theories of rods, plates and shells; extended coverage for small and finite deformation; elastic and inelastic material constitution; contact modelling; problems involving solids, rigid and discrete elements; and multi-scale modelling

This concise introduction to the key concepts and tools of modern statistical mechanics is self-contained. Combining analytical and numerical techniques, it also covers advanced topics such as non-relativistic quantum field theory. After introducing classical analytical techniques, the authors present important numerical methods and a diverse range of applications. Quantum statistical mechanics is then analyzed and applied to topics in astrophysics and cosmology. Combining the authors' many years' experience of teaching courses in this area, this textbook is ideal for advanced students in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

This definitive introduction to finite element methods was thoroughly updated for this 2007 third edition, which features important material for both research and application of the finite element method. The discussion of saddle-point problems is a highlight of the book and has been elaborated to include many more nonstandard applications. The chapter on applications in elasticity now contains a complete discussion of locking phenomena. The numerical solution of elliptic partial differential equations is an important application of finite elements and the author discusses this subject comprehensively. These equations are treated as variational problems for which the Sobolev spaces are the right framework. Graduate students who do not necessarily have any particular background in differential equations, but require an introduction to finite element methods will find this text invaluable. Specifically, the chapter on finite elements in solid mechanics provides a bridge between mathematics and engineering.