Concepts to stretch the mind

This huge volume is the first attempt to combine the mathematical theories of elastostatics, elastodynamics, thermo-elastostatics and thero-elastodynamics into one book. Likely readers are researchers and PhD students in continuum mechanics, applied mathematics and physics, who are interested in closed-form solutions. The book could also be adopted for postgraduate modules in continuum mechanics and applied mathematics. The problems at the end of each chapter would be useful for such students.

Richard Hetnarski and Jozef Ignaczak are well known in the field of elasticity and have published significantly. They have drawn on years of experience and recent research in this book.

The first chapter, “Creators of the theory of elasticity”, on the history of elasticity, is interesting as well as comprehensive and systematic. The second, on mathematical preliminaries, is necessary for readers who are not familiar with tensor notation. Then come the basic concepts of elastostatics and elastodynamics in chapters three to eight, while chapters nine to 13 present applications and solution of boundary-value problems.

The most important features are the solutions given for one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional elastostatics and elastodynamics boundary-value problems. Some new and up-to-date theories and applications on elastostatics and elastodynamics are also valuable.

Magd Abdel Wahab is senior lecturer in mechanics of materials and structural bonding, Surrey University.