A Beginner’s Primer: Basic Concepts in Mechanics

As we enter an exciting new era in industrial design, simulation, and manufacturing, a clear understanding of mechanics of solids is needed now more than ever. This primer  is a condensed synopsis of basic undergraduate mechanics and is designed to supplement  classical textbooks in this area. The focus is  on the essentials of mechanics, specifically:

•             The concept of stress.

•             Stress-strain relationships.

•             Failure theory.

•             Axial loading of a rod.

•             Transverse (bending) loading of a beam.

•             Industrial application: modeling of 3D printing.

•             Transverse shear stresses.

•             Torsional loading of a rod.

•             Pressure vessels.

•             Buckling of columns.

•             The basics of finite element methods.

•             A unifying concept: continuum mechanics.