ISBN013191345X

Hibbeler offers an undergraduate text for the mechanical engineering student. The materials studied are solids, not fluids. The discussion starts with the simplest case of treating the bodies as totally rigid. Then we see a development of Newtonian mechanics, commencing with statics. No net velocities, in some obvious reference frame.

But even in this simple case, Hibbeler shows the student how to find the balance of forces in such archetypal instances as beams.

Later, he talks about how solids can to varying extents resist stresses. Be these longitudinal or torsional stresses. The resultant stress-strain relationships are a fundamental concept in mechanics, and the student should be able to follow the treatment quite adequately.

Simple, concise, great examples, great illustrations, great problems. The style is: present a topic briefly, derive equation(s) quickly, show 3-4 examples of using said equation(s), give a couple dozen problems, and move right on to the next topic. Thanks Mr. Hibbeler, for making engineering students' lives just a bit easier.

Hibbeler is probably the most reliable author when it comes to Mechanics of Materials. A must have for Mechancial, Environmental, Civil and Materials Engineers. Explains everything in the easiest and most practical matter, without skipping anything of value.