The classical theories of Linear Elasticity and Newtonian Fluids, though trium phantly elegant as mathematical structures, do not adequately describe the defor mation and flow of most real materials. Attempts to characterize the behaviour of real materials under the action of external forces gave rise to the science of Rheology. Early rheological studies isolated the phenomena now labelled as viscoelastic. Weber (1835, 1841), researching the behaviour of silk threats under load, noted an instantaneous extension, followed by a further extension over a long period of time. On removal of the load, the original length was eventually recovered. He also deduced that the phenomena of stress relaxation and damping of vibrations should occur. Later investigators showed that similar effects may be observed in other materials. The German school referred to these as "Elastische Nachwirkung" or "the elastic aftereffect" while the British school, including Lord Kelvin, spoke ofthe "viscosityofsolids". The universal adoption of the term "Viscoelasticity", intended to convey behaviour combining proper ties both of a viscous liquid and an elastic solid, is of recent origin, not being used for example by Love (1934), though Alfrey (1948) uses it in the context of polymers. The earliest attempts at mathematically modelling viscoelastic behaviour were those of Maxwell (1867) (actually in the context of his work on gases; he used this model for calculating the viscosity of a gas) and Meyer (1874).

Describes general mathematical modeling of viscoelastic materials as systems with fading memory. Discusses the interrelation between topics such as existence, uniqueness, and stability of initial boundary value problems, variational and extremum principles, and wave propagation. Demonstrates the deep connection between the properties of the solution to initial boundary value problems and the requirements of the general physical principles. Discusses special techniques and new methods, including Fourier and Laplace transforms, extremum principles via weight functions, and singular surfaces and discontinuity waves.

Integration of theoretical developments offers complete description of linear theory of viscoelastic behavior of materials, with theoretical formulations derived from continuum mechanics viewpoint and discussions of problem solving. 1982 edition.

This book is concerned with the study of continuum mechanics applied to biological systems, i.e., continuum biomechanics. This vast and exciting subject allows description of when a bone may fracture due to excessive loading, how blood behaves as both a solid and fluid, down to how cells respond to mechanical forces that lead to changes in their behavior, a process known as mechanotransduction. We have written for senior undergraduate students and first year graduate students in mechanical or biomedical engineering, but individuals working at biotechnology companies that deal in biomaterials or biomechanics should also find the information presented relevant and easily accessible. Table of Contents: Tensor Calculus / Kinematics of a Continuum / Stress / Elasticity / Fluids / Blood and Circulation / Viscoelasticity / Poroelasticity and Thermoelasticity / Biphasic Theory

The main emphasis of these Lecture Notes is on constructing solutions to specific viscoelastic boundary value problems; however properties of the equations of viscoelasticity that provide the theoretical underpinnings for constructing such solutions are also covered. Particular attention is paid to the solution of crack and contact problems. This work is of interest in the context of polymer fracture, modelling of material behaviour, rebound testing of polymers and the phenomenon of hysteretic friction.

Through his voluminous and in?uential writings, editorial activities, organi- tional leadership, intellectual acumen, and strong sense of history, Clifford - brose Truesdell III (1919–2000) was the main architect for the renaissance of - tional continuum mechanics since the middle of the twentieth century. The present collection of 42 essays and research papers pays tribute to this man of mathematics, science, and natural philosophy as well as to his legacy. The ?rst ?ve essays by B. D. Coleman, E. Giusti, W. Noll, J. Serrin, and D. Speiser were texts of addresses given by their authors at the Meeting in memory of Clifford Truesdell, which was held in Pisa in November 2000. In these essays the reader will ?nd personal reminiscences of Clifford Truesdell the man and of some of his activities as scientist, author, editor, historian of exact sciences, and principal founding member of the Society for Natural Philosophy. The bulk of the collection comprises 37 research papers which bear witness to the Truesdellian legacy. These papers cover a wide range of topics; what ties them together is the rational spirit. Clifford Truesdell, in his address upon receipt of a Birkhoff Prize in 1978, put the essence of modern continuum mechanics succinctly as “conceptual analysis, analysis not in the sense of the technical term but in the root meaning: logical criticism, dissection, and creative scrutiny.

Viscoelastic Structures covers the four basic problems in the mechanics of viscoelastic solids and structural members: construction of constitutive models for the description of thermoviscoelastic behavior of polymers; mathematical modeling of manufacturing advanced composite materials; optimal-design of structural members and technological processes of their fabrication; and stability analysis for thin-walled structural members driven by time-varying loads.This book familiarizes the reader with state-of-the-art mathematical models for advanced materials and processes, and demonstrates their applications in modeling and simulating specific manufacturing processes. Viscoelastic Structures also demonstrates the effects of material, geometrical, and technological parameters on the characteristic features of viscoelastic structures.1Presents state-of-the-art mathematical models and methods which serve for the analysis of advanced technological processes1Includes numerous examples to demonstrate theory which have not been included in previous literature1Employs one consistent, user-friendly method to study a number of technological processes1Features unique approach to aging materials1Appendices cover background material on tensor calculus, kinematics with finite strains, stochastic differential equations, and evolutionary equations with operator coefficients

The chapters in this volume deal with four fields with deep historical roots that remain active areas reasearch: partial differential equations, variational methods, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. The collection is intended to serve two purposes: First, to honor James Serrin, in whose work the four fields frequently interacted; and second, to bring together work in fields that are usually pursued independently but that remain remarkably interrelated. Serrin's contributions to mathematical analysis and its applications are fundamental and include such theorems and methods as the Gilbarg- Serrin theorem on isoated singularities, the Serrin symmetry theorem, the Alexandrov-Serrin moving-plane technique, The Peletier-Serrin uniqueness theorem, and the Serrin integal of the calculus of variations. Serrin has also been noted for the elegance of his mathematical work and for the effectiveness of his teaching and collaborations.

Examines ill-posed, initial-history boundary-value problems associated with systems of partial-integrodifferential equations arising in linear and nonlinear theories of mechanical viscoelasticity, rigid nonconducting material dielectrics, and heat conductors with memory. Variants of two differential inequalities, logarithmic convexity, and concavity are employed. Ideas based on energy arguments, Riemann invariants, and topological dynamics applied to evolution equations are also introduced. These concepts are discussed in an introductory chapter and applied there to initial boundary value problems of linear and nonlinear diffusion and elastodynamics. Subsequent chapters begin with an explanation of the underlying physical theories.