QE Topics List: Structural Mechanics

August 2003

Mathematical Concepts and Techniques Mechanics of Solids (Including Concepts

from Strength of Materials)

Vector and tensor analysis (in Cartesian Force and stress:

coordinates): Body forces and surface tractions
Indicial and compact (direct) tensor notation Balance of linear and angular momentum
Vector calculus; divergence and gradient Cauchy’s relationship for stress and traction
The divergence theorem Measures of stress (Cauchy stress, first and second
Tensor invariants; change of basis; linear algebra of Piola-Kirchoff stress)
tensors
Motion and strain:
The calculus of variations: Stretch of lines, change in angles (shear)
Functionals; directional derivative of a functional The deformation gradient
Euler equations Measures of strain (Lagrangian or Green strain,
Vainberg’s theorem engineering strain, Eulerian strain)

Approximate methods for the solution of Constitutive models:

differential equations: Stress-strain-temperature relations;
The Ritz and finite element methods; Fourier series Hyperelasticity (Hooke’s law; nonlinear elasticity)

Eigenvalue problems: Boundary value problems in elasticity

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors;
Spectral theorem; Principles of virtual work and energy principles
Cayley Hamilton theorem
Plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetry, and
torsion

Beam Theory
Static Stability of structures

Linear two- and three-dimensional beam theory Basic concepts of static stability theory
Relationship between 3-D solids and beams The energy criterion for conservative systems
Definition of loading and stress and strain resultants Bifurcation, limit points, and post-buckling
Kinematic hypotheses and constitutive relationships for behavior
stress resultants Linearized buckling eigenvalue problems
Timoshenko beam theory Approximate solution methods based on virtual
Boundary value problems and solution methods: work principles
Classical solutions, variational solutions
Essential and natural boundary conditions
Ritz and finite element solutions
Beams on elastic foundations
Geometrically nonlinear planar beam theory