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04/20/2007 -
Mechanics of Solids and Materials (2006)
by Robert J. Asaro and Vlado A. Lubarda
ISBN 0-521-85979-4. Cambridge University Press, New York. 2006. Hardcover. 860 pages. $125.
At first blush, this book appears to be strictly theoretical and overwhelming for the practical and practicing engineer; the book is full of equations and derivations. However, once the reader delves into the text the practical aspect of these equations and derivations becomes apparent. The reader discovers that the theoretical aspects are complemented with practical examples. This makes the book complete for the scientist and the engineer (this reviewer is the latter, if you have not already guessed). The book contains 34 chapters and comprises several sections that include: nonlinear continuum mechanics, linear elasticity, micromechanics, biomaterials and thin films, plasticity and viscoplasticity, biomechanics, and complete solutions to problems representing the major concepts from all the chapters. Robert J. Asaro has been a faculty member of Brown University and is currently at University of California at San Diego (UCSD). His areas of expertise include theory of plasticity, analysis of surface instabilities and dislocation theory. Vlado A. Lubarda has been a faculty member of University of Montenegro, Brown University, Arizona State University, and UCSD. His areas of expertise include elastoplasticity, dislocation theory, damage mechanics, and micromechanics.
The chapter, “Governing Equations of Linear Elasticity,” derives several relationships. One relationship is the bulk modulus as a function of shear and elastic modulus. Another section develops the equation for elongation of a rod due to either tensile forces or lateral compressive forces, such as forging or rolling. Distortions due to thermal gradients are also derived for a simply supported beam.
The chapter on polar coordinates develops several relationships for a plate with a central hole. Far-field shear and far-field tensile stresses are defined for various locations within the plate. Similarly, pressure vessels are characterized. This reviewer was impressed with the final chapter where numerical examples are provided in complete detail for engineering interests. One problem solves the shear stress for a keyway in a shaft subjected to torsion. The maximum shear stress occurs at the bottom of the keyway and is a function of shear modulus, angle of twist, shaft radius, and keyway radius. Another informative sample problem is the determination of the width and depth of an indentation as a cylinder is pressed onto the surface of a plate. The width of the indentation is a function of Poisson’s ratio, force applied, radius of cylinder, and Young&rsquols Modulus. The depth of indentation is a function of Poisson’s ratio, force applied, and Young’s Modulus.
These are just a few examples of the depth of this book. The breadth is extremely wide and other topics include kinematics, kinetics, thermodynamics, cracks, inclusions, thin films, and crystal plasticity.
The authors are to be commended for covering wide variety of topics great detail and for providing examples of practical application. This book aimed for researchers, scientists, and graduate students working in the area of modeling dynamic systems. Engineers would benefit by the gentle use of theory to describe real-world applications of governing equations. One area to be improved upon in future editions is the subject index; more entries are needed to aid the reader in locating specific topics.
For more on Mechanics of Solids and Materials, visit the Cambridge University Press web site..
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