last modified 24/06/2002

Course code: wb1410
Course name: Continuum Mechanics

DUT credit points: 3
ECTS credit points: 4,5
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology
Lecturer(s): Turteltaub, S.R. Tel.: 015-27 8....
Catalog data:
Solids, fluids, stresses, strains, balance equations, constitutive models, thermodynamics		 Course year: MSc 1st year
Period: 2A
Hours p/w: 3
Other hours: 3
Assessment: Exercises + oral examination
Assessm.period(s): by appointment
(see academic calendar)
Prerequisites: wb1204, wb1220, wb1320
Follow up: wb1409, wb1400, wb1421A,wb1421B
Detailed description of topics:
This course is concerned with modelling of matter in terms of a continuum. This type of modelling is central to basically all types of models/"theories" for the behaviour of solids and fluids which are presently in use in mechanical engineering. This course demonstrates the unification implied by continuum theory. At the same time, the physical assumptions that underly continuum modelling are emphasized, as well as the corresponding ranges of applicability. The fully general features concerning the behaviour of a continuous medium are emphasized: deformations, stresses, balance equations. But, the course also addresses the way in which the variety of behaviour of materials is accounted for through so-called constitutive models. The similarities and differences between solids and fluids are discussed.
The main subjects are:
  • coordinate-free (dyadic) notation of tensors;
  • the continuum as a model for matter;
  • deformations of continuous media;
  • kinematics;
  • stresses;
  • general balance equations and the five balance equations of continuum thermomechanics;
  • general aspects of constitutive equations, including objectivity;
  • introduction to the thermodynamics of continua;
  • discontinuities in continuous media.
Course material:
Lecture notes
References from literature:
  • E. Becker and W. Burger, Kontinuumsmechanik, Teubner, Studienbucher, Stuttgart, ISBN 3-519-02319-9.
  • P. Chadwick, Continuum Mechanics, George Allen & Unwin Ltd., London, 1976.
  • L.E. Malvern, Introduction ot the Mechanics of a Continuous Medium, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1969.
Remarks (specific information about assesment, entry requirements, etc.):
oral examination
Goals:
The purpose of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of and insight into continuum mechanics, which forms the basis of both solid mechanics (e.g. elasticity and plasticity) and fluid mechanics (e.g. flow of gases and fluids). On the one hand, the course links together the various undergraduate courses in solid and fluid mechanics. On the other hand, it serves as a general foundation for further, more sophisticated developments of models for solids and fluids.
Computer use:
Laboratory project(s):
Design content:
Percentage of design: 0%