Continuum mechanics

Abstract

Continuum mechanics is a branch of mechanics that deals with the analysis of the kinematics and mechanical behavior of materials modeled as a continuum (e.g., solids and fluids, liquids and gases). A continuum concept assumes that the substance of the body is distributed throughout - and completely fills - the space it occupies. Differential equations can be employed in solving problems in continuum mechanics. Some of these differential equations are specific to the materials being investigated and are called constitutive equations, while others capture fundamental physical laws, such as the conservation of mass (the continuity equation), the conservation of momentum (the equations of motion and equilibrium), and the conservation of energy (the first law of thermodynamics). This new and important book gathers the latest research from around the globe in this field.