The Mechanics of Solids and Structures - Hierarchical Modeling and the Finite Element Solution

In recent decades, computational procedures have been applied to an increasing extent in engineering and the physical sciences. Mostly, two separate fields have been considered, namely, the analysis of solids and structures and the analysis of fluid flows. The objective of the Book Series is to publish monographs, textbooks, and proceedings of conferences of archival value, on any subject of computational fluid dynamics, computational solid and structural mechanics, and computational multi-physics dynamics. The publications are written by and for physicists, mathematicians and engineers and emphasize the modelling, analysis and solution of problems in engineering.

This book presents in one treatise – both – the basic mathematical

models of solid / structural mechanics and effective finite element

procedures for the solution of these models. The book can be

used for teaching, in a modern way, solid and structural mechanics,

finite element methods, and for self-study – from elementary to

quite advanced material.

In synthesizing classical mechanics with modern finite element

analysis, emphasis is given to the hierarchical nature of the

mathematical models of mechanics, from simple to complex, and

on choosing the simplest reliable and effective model for analysis.

The process of hierarchical modeling and finite element solution

is illustrated in examples that show the benefits reached when good

hierarchical modeling is performed.

To pursue an effective analysis is an art – the objective is to predict

the future. Performing in the art of analysis is very stimulating

and requires constant learning. This book has been written to provide

a fundamental basis for that learning process.