Beginner's Primer: Basic Concepts in Mechanics

As we enter an exciting new era in industrial design, simulation, and manufacturing, a clear understanding of mechanics of solids is needed now more than ever. This primer is a condensed synopsis of basic undergraduate mechanics and is designed to supplement classical textbooks in this area. The focus is on the essentials of mechanics, specifically: * The concept of stress. * Stress-strain relationships. * Failure theory. * Axial loading of a rod. * Transverse (bending) loading of a beam. * Industrial application: modeling of 3D printing. * Transverse shear stresses. * Torsional loading of a rod. * Pressure vessels. * Buckling of columns. * The basics of finite element methods. * A unifying concept: continuum mechanics.