Introduction

Abstract

To investigate deformable-body dynamics, it is very important to learn a development history of the mathematical theory of deformable solids. From such a development history, one can find how the deformable-body dynamics to stimulate the development of modern physical science, which will give people a kind of indication for new discoveries. In this chapter, a brief history for establishing the approximate theories of deformable solids will be given. Especially, the cable dynamics will be discussed first, and a mathematical treatise of nonlinear beams and rods will be presented. In addition, the past and current status of plates and shell theory will be discussed, and the current status of soft web theory and applications will be presented. Finally, the book layout will be presented, and a brief summarization for each chapter will be given.