This book provides a brief introduction to rational continuum mechanics in a form suitable for students of engineering, mathematics and science. The presentation is tightly focused on the simplest case of the classical mechanics of nonpolar materials, leaving aside the effects of internal structure, temperature and electromagnetism, and excluding other mathematical models, such as statistical mechanics, relativistic mechanics and quantum mechanics. Within the limitations of the simplest mechanical theory, the author had provided a text that is largely self-contained. Though the book is primarily an introduction to continuum mechanics, the lure and attraction inherent in the subject may also recommend the book as a vehicle by which the student can obtain a broader appreciation of certain important methods and results from classical and modern analysis.

A First Course in Rational Continuum Mechanics, Volume 1: General Concepts describes general concepts in rational continuum mechanics and covers topics ranging from bodies and forces to motions and energies, kinematics, and the stress tensor. Constitutive relations are also discussed, and some definitions and theorems of algebra, geometry, and calculus are included. Exercises and their solutions are given as well. Comprised of four chapters, this volume begins with an introduction to rational mechanics by focusing on the mathematical concepts of bodies, forces, motions, and energies. Systems that provide possible universes for mechanics are described. The next chapter explores kinematics, with emphasis on bodies, placements, and motions as well as other relevant concepts like local deformation and homogeneous transplacement. The book also considers the stress tensor and Cauchy's fundamental theorem before concluding with a discussion on constitutive relations. This monograph is designed for students taking a course in mathematics or physics.

This third edition includes the corrections made by the late C. Truesdell in his personal copy. It is annotated by S. Antman who describes the monograph`s genesis and the impact it has made on the modern development of mechanics. Originally published as Volume III/3 of the famous Encyclopedia of Physics in 1965, this book describes and summarizes "everything that was both known and worth knowing in the field at the time." It also has greatly contributed to the unification and standardization of the concepts, terms and notations in the field.

This overview of the development of continuum mechanics throughout the twentieth century is unique and ambitious. Utilizing a historical perspective, it combines an exposition on the technical progress made in the field and a marked interest in the role played by remarkable individuals and scientific schools and institutions on a rapidly evolving social background. It underlines the newly raised technical questions and their answers, and the ongoing reflections on the bases of continuum mechanics associated, or in competition, with other branches of the physical sciences, including thermodynamics. The emphasis is placed on the development of a more realistic modeling of deformable solids and the exploitation of new mathematical tools. The book presents a balanced appraisal of advances made in various parts of the world. The author contributes his technical expertise, personal recollections, and international experience to this general overview, which is very informative albeit concise.

This textbook on continuum mechanics reflects the modern view that scientists and engineers should be trained to think and work in multidisciplinary environments. 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.