An Expedition to Continuum Theory

This book introduces field theory as required in solid and fluid mechanics as well as in electromagnetism. It includes the necessary applied mathematical framework of tensor algebra and tensor calculus, using an inductive approach particularly suited to beginners. It is geared toward undergraduate classes in continuum theory for engineers in general, and more specifically to courses in continuum mechanics. Students will gain a sound basic understanding of the subject as well as the ability to solve engineering problems by applying the general laws of nature in terms of the balances for mass, momentum, and energy in combination with material-specific relations in terms of constitutive equations, thus learning how to use the theory in practice for themselves. This is facilitated by numerous examples and problems provided throughout the text.

• Balance Laws
• Constitutive Relations
• Continuum Theory
• Electromagnetism
• Solid and Fluid Mechanics
• Tensor Notation

“This book is a true experience, and I felt real pleasure in reading it. … I warmly recommend this book to all graduate and PhD students, as well as to young and even less young researchers who want to enter the world of continuum field theory. It is true help in understanding the basic aspects and results of the subject and acquiring solid bases for continuing the study of this discipline further.” (Paolo Vannucci, Mathematical Reviews, June, 2017)

“The book provides a lucid account on the subject of continuum mechanics illustrating various fields of application for undergraduate and graduate students of engineering and physics. … this book, for providing vision and insight and providing a bridge between various subjects, can be recommended to students and teachers as well as to anyone interested in continuum mechanics.” (M. Cengiz Dökmeci, zbMATH 1328.74001, 2016)

• Institute of Mechanics, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany

  Wolfgang H. Müller