The Italian contribution to the mathematical theory of elasticity (Q2265847)

The contributions of Italian mathematical pysicists to the mathematical theory of elasticity are reviewed, starting from the second half of the last century. The work of Piola, Betti, Beltrami, Volterra, Somigliana, Signorini and many other eminent scholars is briefly outlined, showing how Italian mathematics achieved a leading position, comparable to that unanimously accorded Italy in other areas of mathematics, in this field where theory is so close to application.