This book provides a systematic and thorough overview of the classical bending members based on the theory for thin beams (shear-rigid) according to Euler-Bernoulli, and the theories for thick beams (shear-flexible) according to Timoshenko and Levinson. The understanding of basic, i.e., one-dimensional structural members, is essential in applied mechanics. A systematic and thorough introduction to the theoretical concepts for one-dimensional members keeps the requirements on engineering mathematics quite low, and allows for a simpler transfer to higher-order structural members. The new approach in this textbook is that it treats single-plane bending in the x-y plane as well in the x-z plane equivalently and applies them to the case of unsymmetrical bending. The fundamental understanding of these one-dimensional members allows a simpler understanding of thin and thick plate bending members. Partial differential equations lay the foundation to mathematically describe the mechanical behavior of all classical structural members known in engineering mechanics. Based on the three basic equations of continuum mechanics, i.e., the kinematics relationship, the constitutive law, and the equilibrium equation, these partial differential equations that describe the physical problem can be derived. Nevertheless, the fundamental knowledge from the first years of engineering education, i.e., higher mathematics, physics, materials science, applied mechanics, design, and programming skills, might be required to master this topic.

Numerical and Computer Methods in Structural Mechanics is a compendium of papers that deals with the numerical methods in structural mechanics, computer techniques, and computer capabilities. Some papers discus the analytical basis of the computer technique most widely used in software, that is, the finite element method. This method includes the convergence (in terms of variation principles) isoparametrics, hybrid models, and incompatible displacement models. Other papers explain the storage or retrieval of data, as well as equation-solving algorithms. Other papers describe general-purpose structural mechanics programs, alternatives to, and extension of the usual finite element approaches. Another paper explores nonlinear, dynamic finite element problems, and a direct physical approach to determine finite difference models. Special papers explain structural mechanics used in computing, particularly, those related to integrated data bases, such as in the Structures Oriented Exchange System of the Office of Naval Research and the integrated design of tanker structures. Other papers describe software and hardware capabilities, for example, in ship design, fracture mechanics, biomechanics, and crash safety. The text is suitable for programmers, computer engineers, researchers, and scientists involved in materials and industrial design.

This book is focused on the introduction of the finite difference method based on the classical one-dimensional structural members, i.e., rods/bars and beams. It is the goal to provide a first introduction to the manifold aspects of the finite difference method and to enable the reader to get a methodical understanding of important subject areas in structural mechanics. The reader learns to understand the assumptions and derivations of different structural members. Furthermore, she/he learns to critically evaluate possibilities and limitations of the finite difference method. Additional comprehensive mathematical descriptions, which solely result from advanced illustrations for two- or three-dimensional problems, are omitted. Hence, the mathematical description largely remains simple and clear.

This book in the advanced structured materials series provides first an introduction to the mircomechanics of fiber-reinforced laminae, which deals with the prediction of the macroscopic mechanical lamina properties based on the mechanical properties of the constituents, i.e., fibers and matrix. Composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced composites, are gaining increasing importance since they can overcome the limits of many structures based on classical metals. Particularly, the combination of a matrix with fibers provides far better properties than the constituents alone. Despite their importance, many engineering degree programs do not treat the mechanical behavior of this class of advanced structured materials in detail, at least on the bachelor’s degree level. Thus, some engineers are not able to thoroughly apply and introduce these modern engineering materials in their design process. The second part of this book provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the classical laminate theory based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear-rigid) plate elements. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations and their composition to layered laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria. The introduced classical laminate theory provides a simplified stress analysis, and a subsequent failure analysis, without the solution of the system of coupled differential equations for the unknown displacements in the three coordinate directions. The book concludes with a short introduction to a calculation program, the so-called Composite Laminate Analysis Tool (CLAT), which allows the application of the classical laminate based on a sophisticated Python script.

A solid introduction to basic continuum mechanics, emphasizing variational formulations and numeric computation. The book offers a complete discussion of numerical method techniques used in the study of structural mechanics.

This book provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the classical laminate theory based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear–rigid) plate elements. It focus on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations and their composition to layered laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai–Hill and the Tsai–Wu criteria.

This book first provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the classical laminate theory for composite materials based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear-rigid) plate elements. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations and their composition to layered laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria. The solution of the fundamental equations of the classical laminate theory is connected with extensive matrix operations, and many problems require in addition iteration loops. Thus, a classical hand calculation of related problems is extremely time consuming. In order to facilitate the application of the classical laminate theory, we decided to provide a Python-based computational tool, the so-called Composite Laminate Analysis Tool (CLAT) to easily solve some standard questions from the context of fiber-reinforced composites. The tool runs in any standard web browser and offers a user-friendly interface with many post-processing options. The functionality comprises stress and strain analysis of lamina and laminates, derivation of off-axis elastic properties of lamina, and the failure analysis based on different criteria.