Computational continuum mechanics /

Computational Continuum Mechanics by Shabana (engineering, Univ. of Illinois, Chicago) is an excellent introductory course resource. The first four chapters cover classical continuum topics ranging from tensor algebra to constitutive equations. Most attractive are the next three chapters, which include analysis of linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity, plasticity formulation, and finite element formulation for small and large deformations, both with large rotation. Shabana rigorously explains the topics in all chapters; his effective approach and elucidating style are much admired. There are on average fifteen practice problems per chapter. Sufficient examples, which are solved systematically, fully, and clearly, are dispersed throughout the book. This work is ideal as an introductory resource in continuum mechanics classes for seniors and graduate students; its content can be reasonably covered in one semester. It is also valuable for graduate students pursuing research in large deformation mechanics, bioengineering, and multibody system dynamics for its modest analytical and numerical coverage. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. R. N. Laoulache University of Massachusetts Dartmouth