The objective of this course is to learn how to formulate problems and how to reduce vague questions and ideas to precise mathematical statements. In this course we deal with the fundamental principles that underlie such differential equations and boundary conditions and to participate in solving some of these equations. Mechanics of Materials is a subset of Continuum Mechanics and Mechanics of Deformable Solids bridging the gap between Structural Mechanics and Engineering Material Science.
Mechanics of Materials rationalizes approximate solutions which are the basic design formulas in Structural Engineering and relates them to analysis solutions from the Theory of Elasticity and Theory of Plasticity. The objectives of Mechanics of Materials can be summarized as the analysis and design of solids and structures according to strength, stiffness, and stability.