R In the companion book (Continuum Mechanics Using Mathematica )to this
volume, we explained the foundations of continuum mechanics and
described some basic applications of ?uid dynamics and linear
elasticity. However, deciding on the approach and content of this book,
Continuum Mechanics: Advanced Topics and Research Trends, proved to be a
more di?culttask.Afteralongperiodofre?ection, wemadethedecisiontodirect
our e?orts into drafting a book that demonstrates the ?exibility and
great potential of continuum physics to describe the wide range of
macroscopic phenomena that we can observe. It is the opinion of the
authors that this is the most stimulating way to learn continuum
mechanics. However, it is also quite evident that this aim cannot be
fully realized in a single book. Consequently, inthis book wechoseto
presentonly thebasicsofinteresting continuum mechanics models, along
with some important applications of them. We assume that the reader is
familiar with all of the basic principles of continuum mechanics: the
general balance laws, constitutive equations, isotropygroupsfor
materials, the laws of thermodynamics, ordinarywaves, etc. All of these
concepts can be found in Continuum Mechanics Using Mathematica and many
other books. We believe that this book gives the reader a su?ciently
wide view of the "boundless forest" of continuum mechanics, before
focusing his or her attention on the beauty and complex structure of
single trees within it (- deed, wecouldsaythatContinuumMechanics
UsingMathematica provides only the fertile humus on which the trees of
this forest take root!).
