Technical mechanics. Volume 4: Hydrodynamics, elements of higher mathematics, numerical methods (Q1319690)

This is the first edition of the 4th volume of ``Technical mechanics'' [for the last ed. of preceding volumes see the first three authors, Statics. Vol. 1 (1992; Zbl 0753.70001); Elastostatics. Vol. 2 (1992; Zbl 0753.73002); Kinetics. Vol. 3 (1993; Zbl 0772.70003)]. The textbook is organized into seven chapters. The first chapter ``Hydromechanics'' deals with properties of fluids, hydrostatics, and elements of hydrodynamics. Chapter 2, ``Foundations of elasticity'', presents the basic notions and equations illustrated by applications to beams and plates. Equilibrium states of strings, membranes and plates are thoroughly considered in the third chapter ``Statics of special supporting structures''. Two next chapters, ``Vibrations of continuum systems'' and ``Stability of elastic structures'', treat the corresponding problems for such classical elastic systems as strings, beams, membranes and plates. Chapter 6 ``Viscoelasticity and plasticity'' informs the reader about some material laws different from elastic ones. The last chapter ``Numerical methods in mechanics'' provides an overview of the most important numerical methods used in the modern solid mechanics. The topics covered are explicit and implicit integration procedures, method of weighted residuals, Galerkin, collocation and finite element methods. A detailed subject index concludes the volume. The book is intended to be a text appropriate for both the students and the practising engineers. Presentation of the material is very precise and compact, and a vast number of practical examples given through the book should help the reader to utilize the basic concepts and to apply numerical methods. Thus, the textbook is a welcome addition to the already existing volumes of this course, and it can be highly recommended for all undergraduate students majoring in engineering mechanics.