Mechanics of Solids Unit-1

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Introduction to Mechanics of Solids

The state of rest and the state of motion of the bodies under the action of different forces has
engaged the attention of mathematicians and scientists for many centuries. The branch of
physical science that deal with the state of rest or the state of motion of bodies is termed as
mechanics. Starting from the analysis of rigid bodies under gravitational force and application of
simple forces the mechanics has grown into the analysis of complex structures like multistorey
buildings, aircrafts. space crafts and robotics under complex system of forces like dynamic
forces, atmospheric forces and temperature forces.

The mechanics developed by these researchers may be grouped as

(i) Classical mechanics/Newtonian mechanics

(ii) Relativistic mechanics

(iii) Quantum mechanics/Wave mechanics.

Sir Issac Newton, the principal architect of mechanics, consolidated the philosophy and
experimental findings developed around the state of rest and state of motion of the bodies and
putforth them in the form of three laws of motion as well as the law of gravitation. The
mechanics based on these laws is called Classical mechanics or Newtonian mechanics.

Albert Einstein proved that Newtonian mechanics fails to explain the behaviour of high speed
(speed of light) bodies. He putfourth the theory of Relativistic mechanics.

Schrodinger (1887-1961) and Broglie (1892-1965) showed that Newtonian mechanics fails to
explain the behaviour of particles when atomic distances are concerned. They putforth the theory
of Quantum mechanics.

Engineers are keen to use the laws of mechanics to actual field problems. Application of laws of
mechanics to field problems is termed as Engineering mechanics. For all the problems between
Mechanics of Solids Unit-1
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atomic distances to high speed distances there are various engineering problems for which
Newtonian mechanics has stood the test of time and hence is the mechanics used by engineers.

The various bodies on which engineers are interested to apply laws of mechanics may be
classified as

(i) Solids and

(ii) Fluids.

The bodies which do not change their shape or size appreciably when the forces are applied are
termed as Solids while the bodies which change their shape or size appreciably even when small
forces are applied are termed as Fluids. Stone, steel, concrete etc. are the example of solids while
water, gases are the examples of fluids.

References: 1. Mechanics of Solids- S.S.Bhavikatti

2. Strength of Materials-R.K.Bansal