Mechanics of Materials

The fourth edition of Mechanics of Materials is an in-depth yet accessible introduction to the behavior of solid materials under various stresses and strains. Emphasizing the three key concepts of deformable-body mechanics―equilibrium, material behavior, and geometry of deformation―this popular textbook covers the fundamental concepts of the subject while helping students strengthen their problem-solving skills. Throughout the text, students are taught to apply an effective four-step methodology to solve numerous example problems and understand the underlying principles of each application.

Focusing primarily on the behavior of solids under static-loading conditions, the text thoroughly prepares students for subsequent courses in solids and structures involving more complex engineering analyses and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). The text provides ample, fully solved practice problems, real-world engineering examples, the equations that correspond to each concept, chapter summaries, procedure lists, illustrations, flow charts, diagrams, and more. This updated edition includes new Python computer code examples, problems, and homework assignments that require only basic programming knowledge.

Roy R. Craig, Jr., is the John J. McKetta Energy Professor Emeritus in Engineering in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and his MS and PhD degrees in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From 1961 until 2001 he was on the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Craig received numerous teaching awards and faculty leadership awards, and he is the author of one other textbook, Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics.

Eric M. Taleff is the Charlotte Maer Patton Centennial Fellow in Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Materials Science from Rice University, an MS degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. He has been on the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin since 1995. He is a fellow of ASM International and a Brimacombe Medalist of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society. He received the Champion H. Mathewson Medal Award from the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers and the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society. He holds a Most Valuable Colleague Award, associated with the John M. Campbell Award, from General Motors.