A Beginners 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.