Applied mechanics

Applied mechanics is a discipline that studies the response of solids and fluids to external forces, such as flow of a liquid, fracture of a solid, sound in the air, and vibration of a string. Applied mechanics bridges the gap between fundamental sciences and wide-ranging applications. Major approaches include formulating concepts and theories, discovering and interpreting phenomena, as well as developing experimental and computational tools.

A practitioner of the discipline is known as a mechanician.

Relations with other fields of study

Like many a discipline of a long and interesting history, Applied Mechanics has interacted with many other disciplines. In describing these interactions, one usually talks about one or the other of the following aspects. As a scientific discipline, Applied Mechanics derives many of its principles and methods from Physical sciences (in particular, Mechanics and Classical Mechanics), from Mathematics and, increasingly, from Computer Science. As such, Applied Mechanics shares similar attributes and outlooks as Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Computational Science.

As an enabling discipline, Applied Mechanics has received impetus from the study of natural phenomena such as orbits of planets, circulation of blood, locomotion of animals, crawling of cells, formation of mountains, and propagation of seismic waves. Such studies have resulted in disciplines such as celestial mechanics, biomechanics and geomechanics.

As a practical discipline, Applied Mechanics has also advanced by participating in major inventions throughout history, such as buildings, ships, automobiles, railways, petroleum refineries, engines, airplanes, nuclear reactors, composite materials, computers, and medical implants. In such connections, the discipline is also known as Engineering Mechanics, often practiced within Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Bioengineering.

Major topics of Applied Mechanics

Emerging topics in Applied Mechanics

Examples of applications

Professional organizations

Professional publications

History

External links

Applied Mechanics News (AMN), a blog of news and views of interest to the international community of Applied Mechanics.
The Web of Mechanicians attempts to link all past and living mechanicians.

References of general interest

S.P. Timoshenko, "History of Strength of Materials", Dover.
J.E. Gordon, "The New Science of Strong Materials", Princeon, 1984.
H. Petroski, "To Engineer Is Human", St. Martins, 1985.
T.A. McMahon and J.T. Bonner, "On Size and Life", Scientific American Library, W.H. Freeman, 1983.
M.F. Ashby, "Materials Selection in Design", Pergamon, 1992.
A.H. Cottrell, "Mechanical Properties of Matter", Wiley, New York, 1964.
S.A. Wainwright, W.D. Biggs, J.D. Currey, J.M. Gosline, "Mechanical Design in Organisms", Edward Arnold, 1976.
S. Vogel, "Comparative Biomechanics", Princeton, 2003.
J. Howard, "Mechanics of Motor Proteins and the Cytoskeleton", Sinauer Associates, 2001.
J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige. "Engineering Mechanics Volume 2: Dynamics", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1986.
J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige. "Engineering Mechanics Volume 1: Statics", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1986.

Mechanics

Εφαρμοσμένη μηχανική (φυσική)

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