In the last three decades the field of mechanics has seen spectacular progress due to the demand for applications in problems of cosmology, thermonuclear fusion, metallurgy, etc. This book provides a broad and thorough overview on the foundations of mechanics. It discusses theoretical mechanics and continuum mechanics, as well as phenomenological thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and relativistic mechanics. Each chapter presents the basic physical facts of interest without going into details and derivations and without using advanced mathematical formalism. The first part constitutes a classical exposition of Lagrange''s and Hamilton''s analytical mechanics on which most of the continuum theory is based. The section on continuum mechanics focuses mainly on the axiomatic foundations, with many pointers for further research in this area. Special attention is given to modern continuum thermodynamics, both for the foundations and applications. A section on quantum mechanics is also included, since the phenomenological description of various quantum phenomena is becoming of increasing importance. The work will prove indispensable to engineers wishing to keep abreast of recent theoretical advances in their field, as well as initiating and guiding future research.

An International Symposium on Defects and Fracture was held in Tuczno, Poland, 13-17 October 1980 under the sponsorship of the Polish Academy of Sci­ ences and Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University. Profes­ sor H. Zorski of the Academy and Professor G. C. Sih of Lehigh University were Co-Chairmen. The idea for the Symposium was initiated by the members of the Organizing Committee: G. C. Sih (Co-Chairman), H. Zorski (Co-Chairman), M. Matczynski (Secretary), D. R. Axelrad, R. Bullough, J. W. Provan and R. deWit. With the rapid development of high performance materials and their increasing use in vital structural applications, there is a need for a more in-depth under­ standing of the fundamentals associated with material behavior and failure. Al­ though this topic encompasses a wide range of disciplines, it is appropriate to narrow the discussion to material failures initiating from inherent, unavoidable defects or cracks. A balanced coverage of analysis and physics was achieved by inviting speakers with backgrounds in applied mechanics and solid state physics. The input was limited to a small group of specialists who had the opportunity to discuss not only past progress but also ideas for future research.

An International Symposium on Defects and Fracture was held in Tuczno, Poland, 13-17 October 1980 under the sponsorship of the Polish Academy of Sci­ ences and Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University. Profes­ sor H. Zorski of the Academy and Professor G. C. Sih of Lehigh University were Co-Chairmen. The idea for the Symposium was initiated by the members of the Organizing Committee: G. C. Sih (Co-Chairman), H. Zorski (Co-Chairman), M. Matczynski (Secretary), D. R. Axelrad, R. Bullough, J. W. Provan and R. deWit. With the rapid development of high performance materials and their increasing use in vital structural applications, there is a need for a more in-depth under­ standing of the fundamentals associated with material behavior and failure. Al­ though this topic encompasses a wide range of disciplines, it is appropriate to narrow the discussion to material failures initiating from inherent, unavoidable defects or cracks. A balanced coverage of analysis and physics was achieved by inviting speakers with backgrounds in applied mechanics and solid state physics. The input was limited to a small group of specialists who had the opportunity to discuss not only past progress but also ideas for future research.

In the last three decades the field of mechanics has seen spectacular progress due to the demand for applications in problems of cosmology, thermonuclear fusion, metallurgy, etc. This book provides a broad and thorough overview on the foundations of mechanics. It discusses theoretical mechanics and continuum mechanics, as well as phenomenological thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and relativistic mechanics. Each chapter presents the basic physical facts of interest without going into details and derivations and without using advanced mathematical formalism. The first part constitutes a classical exposition of Lagrange''s and Hamilton''s analytical mechanics on which most of the continuum theory is based. The section on continuum mechanics focuses mainly on the axiomatic foundations, with many pointers for further research in this area. Special attention is given to modern continuum thermodynamics, both for the foundations and applications. A section on quantum mechanics is also included, since the phenomenological description of various quantum phenomena is becoming of increasing importance. The work will prove indispensable to engineers wishing to keep abreast of recent theoretical advances in their field, as well as initiating and guiding future research.

An International Symposium on Defects and Fracture was held in Tuczno, Poland, 13-17 October 1980 under the sponsorship of the Polish Academy of Sci­ ences and Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University. Profes­ sor H. Zorski of the Academy and Professor G. C. Sih of Lehigh University were Co-Chairmen. The idea for the Symposium was initiated by the members of the Organizing Committee: G. C. Sih (Co-Chairman), H. Zorski (Co-Chairman), M. Matczynski (Secretary), D. R. Axelrad, R. Bullough, J. W. Provan and R. deWit. With the rapid development of high performance materials and their increasing use in vital structural applications, there is a need for a more in-depth under­ standing of the fundamentals associated with material behavior and failure. Al­ though this topic encompasses a wide range of disciplines, it is appropriate to narrow the discussion to material failures initiating from inherent, unavoidable defects or cracks. A balanced coverage of analysis and physics was achieved by inviting speakers with backgrounds in applied mechanics and solid state physics. The input was limited to a small group of specialists who had the opportunity to discuss not only past progress but also ideas for future research.

An International Symposium on Defects and Fracture was held in Tuczno, Poland, 13-17 October 1980 under the sponsorship of the Polish Academy of Sci­ ences and Institute of Fracture and Solid Mechanics, Lehigh University. Profes­ sor H. Zorski of the Academy and Professor G. C. Sih of Lehigh University were Co-Chairmen. The idea for the Symposium was initiated by the members of the Organizing Committee: G. C. Sih (Co-Chairman), H. Zorski (Co-Chairman), M. Matczynski (Secretary), D. R. Axelrad, R. Bullough, J. W. Provan and R. deWit. With the rapid development of high performance materials and their increasing use in vital structural applications, there is a need for a more in-depth under­ standing of the fundamentals associated with material behavior and failure. Al­ though this topic encompasses a wide range of disciplines, it is appropriate to narrow the discussion to material failures initiating from inherent, unavoidable defects or cracks. A balanced coverage of analysis and physics was achieved by inviting speakers with backgrounds in applied mechanics and solid state physics. The input was limited to a small group of specialists who had the opportunity to discuss not only past progress but also ideas for future research.