Introduction to Linear Elasticity

This augmented and updated fourth edition introduces a new complement of computational tools and examples for each chapter and continues to provide a grounding in the tensor-based theory of elasticity for students in mechanical, civil, aeronautical and biomedical engineering and materials and earth science.

"Elasticity is one of the crowning achievements of Western culture!" ex­ claimed my usually reserved colleague Professor George Zahalak during a meeting to discuss the graduate program in Solid Mechanics. Although my thoughts on the theory of elasticity had not been expressed in such noble terms, it was the same admiration for the creative efforts of the premier physicists, mathematicians and mechanicians of the 19th and 20th centuries that led me to attempt to popularize the basis of solid mechanics in this introductory form.

Introduction to Linear Elasticity, 3rd Edition provides an applications-oriented grounding in the tensor-based theory of elasticity for students in mechanical, civil, aeronautical, biomedical engineering, as well as materials and earth science.

Introduction to Linear Elasticity, 3rd Edition provides an applications-oriented grounding in the tensor-based theory of elasticity for students in mechanical, civil, aeronautical, biomedical engineering, as well as materials and earth science.

This augmented and updated fourth edition introduces a new complement of computational tools and examples for each chapter and continues to provide a grounding in the tensor-based theory of elasticity for students in mechanical, civil, aeronautical and biomedical engineering and materials and earth science. Professor Gould’s proven approach allows faculty to introduce this subject early on in an educational program, where students are able to understand and apply the basic notions of mechanics to stress analysis and move on to advanced work in continuum mechanics, plasticity, plate and shell theory, composite materials and finite element mechanics. With the introductory material on the use of MATLAB, students can apply this modern computational tool to solve classic elasticity problems. The detailed solutions of example problems using both analytical derivations and computational tools helps student to grasp the essence of elasticity and practical skills of applying the basic mechanics theorem.