Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Continuum mechanics and thermodynamics are foundational theories of many fields of science and engineering. This book presents a fresh perspective on these fundamental topics, connecting micro- and nanoscopic theories and emphasizing topics relevant to understanding solid-state thermo-mechanical behavior. Providing clear, in-depth coverage, the book gives a self-contained treatment of topics directly related to nonlinear materials modeling. It starts with vectors and tensors, finite deformation kinematics, the fundamental balance and conservation laws, and classical thermodynamics. It then discusses the principles of constitutive theory and examples of constitutive models, presents a foundational treatment of energy principles and stability theory, and concludes with example closed-form solutions and the essentials of finite elements. Together with its companion book, Modeling Materials, (Cambridge University Press, 2011), this work presents the fundamentals of multiscale materials modeling for graduate students and researchers in physics, materials science, chemistry and engineering.

Ellad B. Tadmor is Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota. His research focuses on multiscale method development and the microscopic foundations of continuum mechanics. Ronald E. Miller is Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University. He has worked in the area of multiscale materials modeling for over 15 years. Ryan S. Elliott is Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota. An expert in stability of continuum and atomistic systems, he has received many awards for his work.