Y.C. Fung's " A First Course in Continuum Mechanics is a foundational textbook designed for students of science and engineering that prioritizes a physical understanding of mechanics over purely mathematical rigor. It is particularly noted for its applications to both physical and biological systems, making it a staple for bioengineering and mechanical engineering students. Amazon.com Core Objectives & Philosophy Physical Intuition
- Linear Elastic: Linear elastic constitutive equations describe the behavior of materials that exhibit a linear relationship between stress and strain.
- Nonlinear Elastic: Nonlinear elastic constitutive equations describe the behavior of materials that exhibit a nonlinear relationship between stress and strain.
- Viscous Fluids: Viscous fluid constitutive equations describe the behavior of fluids that exhibit a relationship between stress and strain rate.
2.3 Principal Strains and Invariants
- Stress: Stress is a measure of the internal forces that are distributed within the medium. It is a tensor quantity that describes the forces per unit area on a surface element within the medium.
- Strain: Strain is a measure of the deformation of the medium. It is a tensor quantity that describes the change in shape and size of the medium.
- Displacement: Displacement is a measure of the change in position of a material point within the medium.
The book systematically builds the foundation of continuum mechanics through four distinct pillars:
Target Audience:
Graduate students in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied math; researchers in soft tissue biomechanics.
- Nonlinear Kinematic Equations: Nonlinear kinematic equations describe the relationship between deformation and strain in nonlinear elastic materials.
- Nonlinear Constitutive Equations: Nonlinear constitutive equations describe the relationship between stress and strain in nonlinear elastic materials.