Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Continuum Mechanics

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Trafford, 2001 - Mathematics - 427 pages
Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Continuum Mechanics is an advanced College level mathematics text. The first part of the text introduces basic concepts, notations and operations associated with the subject area of tensor calculus. The material presented is developed at a slow pace with a detailed explanation of the many tensor operations. The first half of the text concludes with an introduction to the application of tensor concepts to differential geometry and relativity. The second half of the text presents applications of tensors to areas from continuum mechanics. Tensor calculus is applied to the areas of dynamics, elasticity, fluids, electricity and magnetism. Many of the basic equations from physics, engineering and science are developed which makes the text an excellent reference work. The second half of the text concludes with an introduction to quaternions, multivectors and Clifford algebra.

There are four Appendices. The Appendix A contains units of measurements from the Système International d'Unitès along with some selected physical con stants. The Appendix B contains a listing of Christoffel symbols of the second kind associated with various coordinate systems. The Appendix C is a summary of use ful vector identities. The Appendix D contains solutions to selected exercises. The text has numerous illustrative worked examples and over 450 exercises.

About the author (2001)

Dr. John H. Heinbockel is Professor Emeritus ofMathematics and Statistics from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. He received his Ph.D. in appliedmathematics from North Carolina State University in1964. He joined Old Dominion University in 1967 andsince then has taught a variety of mathematics coursesat both the undergraduate and graduate level. He hashad numerous research grants during this time and isthe author/co-author of numerous technical papers inthe areas of applied mathematics. Presently, he is doingresearch for NASA involving radiation analysis associated with various space programs.

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