Variational Methods in Mechanics

Toshio Mura is Walter Murphy Professor of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University. A pioneer of micromechanics, he is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a fellow of the American Academy of Mechanics.Tatsuhito Koya is Post Doctor, Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University.

• 1. Maxima and Minima of Functions ; 2. The Euler Equations I ; 3. Ritz's Method ; 4. The Euler Equations II ; 5. Boundary Conditions ; 6. Subsidiary Conditions ; 7. Continuity Conditions ; 8. Galerkin's Method ; 9. Minimizing Sequence ; 10. Transformation in Variational Problems ; 11. Elasticity ; 12. Castigliano's Theorem ; 13. Plasticity ; 14. Eigenvalue Problems ; 15. Variational Problems and Eigenvalues ; 16. Direct Methods or Eigenvalue Problems ; 17. The Finite Element Method ; 18. General Use of the Lagrange Multipliers ; 19. Miscellaneous Problems

"The problem sets at the end of some chapters, as well as the example problems, are welcome features. The illustrations, index, and list of references are of acceptable quality." --Choice"Represents a blend of classical and modern uses of variational methods in engineering mechanics. . . . of interest to material science students, mechanical engineering students, etc." --Mathematical Reviews