Mechanics of Materials Volume 1: An Introduction to the Mechanics of Elastic and Plastic Deformation of Solids and Structural Materials

One of the most important subjects for any student of engineering to master is the behaviour of materials and structures under load. The way in which they react to applied forces, the deflections resulting and the stresses and strains set up in the bodies concerned are all vital considerations when designing a mechanical component such that it will not fail under predicted load during its service lifetime.

All the essential elements of a treatment of these topics are contained within this course of study, starting with an introduction to the concepts of stress and strain, shear force and bending moments and moving on to the examination of bending, shear and torsion in elements such as beams, cylinders, shells and springs. A simple treatment of complex stress and complex strain leads to a study of the theories of elastic failure and an introduction to the experimental methods of stress and strain analysis.

More advanced topics are dealt with in a companion volume - Mechanics of Materials 2. Each chapter contains a summary of the essential formulae which are developed in the chapter, and a large number of worked examples which progress in level of difficulty as the principles are enlarged upon. In addition, each chapter concludes with an extensive selection of problems for solution by the student, mostly examination questions from professional and academic bodies, which are graded according to difficulty and furnished with answers at the end.

* Emphasis on practical learning and applications, rather than theory
* Provides the essential formulae for each individual chapter
* Contains numerous worked examples and problems

Edwin John Hearn is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, and a Fellow of the UK Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Electrical Engineers and Institute of Diagnostic Engineers. He is also a Life Fellow of the British Society for Strain Measurement. He has extensive consultancy experience in the field of stress and design analysis. During his career as an academic, Prof. Hearn has published 11 textbooks and numerous papers in professional journals. E J Hearn is an author with an international reputation in the fields of Mechanics of Materials and Stress Analysis. He has over 30 years experience in industry and higher education including activities in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA, which spanned practically all sectors of engineering.