Springer Continuum Mechanics Through the Twentieth Century: A Concise Historical Perspective: 196 (Solid Mechanics and Its Applications, 196)

This ambitious book offers an overview of the development of continuum mechanics throughout the last century, combining a review of technical progress with an examination of the role played by remarkable individuals and scientific schools and institutions. Review From the book reviews: “This work is a gem. It is a must read for students and practitioners of continuum mechanics of solids who are interested in the historical development of the discipline and its current growth directions. … The historical scope is breathtaking, as the author takes the reader on a grand tour that is both historical and geographical. The tour is also professional and personal. … the book is well written and a very welcome contribution to the field.” (Meir Shillor, Mathematical Reviews, May, 2014) “This book … is a great read about the historical development of continuum mechanics. … Researchers and practitioners in science and engineering should enjoy this historical survey of the developments that led to the unified theories in continuum mechanics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners.” (R. N. Laoulache, Choice, Vol. 51 (5), January, 2014)“A short review of prehistory of continuum mechanics till the end of the 19th century to give the starting point or the state of art at the turn of the century. … we can highly recommend this book to anyone working in the field.” (Albrecht Bertram, zbMATH, Vol. 1277, 2014) From the Back Cover This overview of the development of continuum mechanics throughout the twentieth century is unique and ambitious. Utilizing a historical perspective, it combines an exposition on the technical progress made in the field and a marked interest in the role played by remarkable individuals and scientific schools and institutions on a rapidly evolving social background. It underlines the newly raised technical questions and their answers, and the ongoing reflections on the bases of continuum mechanics associated, or in competition, with other branches of the physical sciences, including thermodynamics. The emphasis is placed on the development of a more realistic modeling of deformable solids and the exploitation of new mathematical tools. The book presents a balanced appraisal of advances made in various parts of the world. The author contributes his technical expertise, personal recollections, and international experience to this general overview, which is very informative albeit concise.