A Beginner's Primer: Basic Concepts in Mechanics

As we enter an exciting new era in industrial design, simulation, and manufacturing, a clear understanding of mechanics of solids is needed now more than ever. This primer is a condensed synopsis of basic undergraduate mechanics and is designed to supplement classical textbooks in this area. The focus is on the essentials of mechanics, specifically:

. The concept of stress.

. Stress-strain relationships.

. Failure theory.

. Axial loading of a rod.

. Transverse (bending) loading of a beam.

. Industrial application: modeling of 3D printing.

. Transverse shear stresses.

. Torsional loading of a rod.

. Pressure vessels.

. Buckling of columns.

. The basics of finite element methods.

. A unifying concept: continuum mechanics.