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ENGINEERING MECHANICS
Applied mechanics, also known as theoretical and applied mechanics, is a branch of the physical sciences that studies the response of bodies (solids and fluids) to external forces. Some examples of mechanical systems where applied mechanics is used include the flow of a liquid under pressure, fracture of a solid from an applied force, or the vibration of an ear in response to sound. A practitioner of the discipline is known as a mechanician.
Applied mechanics bridges the gap between the fundamental sciences and many wide-ranging applications. As such, applied mechanics is used in many fields of engineering, especially mechanical engineering, under the name engineering mechanics. Much of modern engineering mechanics is based on Isaac Newton's laws of motion while the modern practice of their application can be traced back to Timoshenko, who is said to be the father of modern engineering mechanics.
In the sciences, applied mechanics is useful in formulating concepts and theories, discovering and interpreting phenomena, and developing experimental and computational tools.
Mechanics in practice
As a scientific discipline, applied mechanics derives many of its principles and methods from the Physical sciences (in particular, Mechanics and Classical Mechanics), from Mathematics and, increasingly, from Computer Science. As such, Applied Mechanics shares similar methods, theories, and topics with Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Computational Science.
As an enabling discipline, applied mechanics has received impetus from the study of natural phenomena such as orbits of planets, circulation of blood, locomotion of animals, crawling of cells, formation of mountains, and propagation of seismic waves. Such studies have resulted in disciplines such as celestial mechanics, biomechanics and geomechanics.
As a practical discipline, applied mechanics has also advanced by participating in major inventions throughout history, such as buildings, ships, automobiles, railways, petroleum refineries, engines, airplanes, nuclear reactors, composite materials, computers, and medical implants. In such connections, the discipline is also known as Engineering Mechanics, often practiced within Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Bioengineering.
Applied mechanics in engineering
Typically, engineering mechanics is used to analyze and predict the acceleration and deformation (both elastic and plastic) of objects under known forces (also called loads) or stresses.
When treated as an area of study within a larger engineering curriculum, engineering mechanics can be subdivided into
Major topics of applied mechanics
Emerging topics in applied mechanics
Examples of applications
History
See also
External links
Accredited academic programs
Books and textbooks
- S.P. Timoshenko, "History of Strength of Materials", Dover.
- J.E. Gordon, "The New Science of Strong Materials", Princeon, 1984.
- H. Petroski, "To Engineer Is Human", St. Martins, 1985.
- T.A. McMahon and J.T. Bonner, "On Size and Life", Scientific American Library, W.H. Freeman, 1983.
- M.F. Ashby, "Materials Selection in Design", Pergamon, 1992.
- A.H. Cottrell, "Mechanical Properties of Matter", Wiley, New York, 1964.
- S.A. Wainwright, W.D. Biggs, J.D. Currey, J.M. Gosline, "Mechanical Design in Organisms", Edward Arnold, 1976.
- S. Vogel, "Comparative Biomechanics", Princeton, 2003.
- J. Howard, "Mechanics of Motor Proteins and the Cytoskeleton", Sinauer Associates, 2001.
- J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige. "Engineering Mechanics Volume 2: Dynamics", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1986.
- J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige. "Engineering Mechanics Volume 1: Statics", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1986.
Professional organizations
Professional publications
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