This text covers the more recent developments in the field of engineering solid mechanics. Many investigations have been reported in journals on a wider-ranging mechanical behaviour of solids under stress than is included in standard texts. The latter often lack the more fundamental material on the deformation behaviour observed under conditions of anisotropic elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, creep, fatigue and fracture. In this book these disparate, 'specialist topics' have been placed within a wider mechanics arena that emphasise their common, underlying principles. In summary, this treatise deals with the essential mechanics of these phenomena. It brings together theory, experimental data, references, examples and exercises, relating to the important advances in the subject, both old and new. The presentation of material in this way anticipates that it will become established undergraduate/postgraduate course material in future. The topics presented marry the established theory with more recent developments citing their sources, often with this author's appraisals, based upon available experimental data. The work is intended to provide, within its 13 chapters, a modern reference work for those studying, teaching and researching the mechanics of deforming solids. It has been compiled from many of the key publications that have advanced the subject over the last Century. The arrangement of the theoretical subject matter follows a logical progression; isotropic and anisotropic elasticity, elastic-perfect plasticity, plasticity with hardening, time-dependence, rate- and history-effects and cyclic behaviour. A student could spend much time searching the literature for an appropriate description. The likely result is that he may find himself in a dilema when his search for a theory reveals a number of alternatives. His view may be prejudiced by whatever approach he first becomes acquainted with. This book recognises that there are many alternative models for describing inelastic behaviour of metallic materials under load. The objective has been to present a balanced review of theoretical developments placing the emphasis upon clear exposition and comparison with experimental data. Dr. David W. A. Rees, D.Sc. is with the School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University, U.K. He is the author of five previous books on solid mechanics, structures, engineering plasticity and optimum structural design. This present book is the culmination of his many years of theoretical and experimental research into the manner in which solids deform under load. Reporting and modelling the diverse and often complex responses that appear across a wide range of engineering materials has played a large part in his authorship of over a hundred research publications. This effort has at earlier times been affiliated to Kingston and Surrey Universities, UK; Trinity College, Dublin; the National Physical Laboratory, UK and the Joint Research Centre, Petten.
