There is a gap between engineering courses in tensor algebra, and the treatment of linear transformations within classical linear algebra. This book addresses primarily engineering students with some initial knowledge of matrix algebra. Thereby, mathematical formalism is applied as absolutely necessary. The many exercises provided include solutions, enabling autonomous study. The last chapters address modern developments in the theory of isotropic and anisotropic tensor functions and their applications to continuum mechanics and might therefore interest PhD-students and scientists working in this area.

In recent decades, the absolute notation for tensors has become widely accepted and is now state-of-the-art for publications in solid and structural mechanics. This is opposed to a majority of books on tensor calculus referring to index notation. The latter one complicates the understanding of the matter especially for readers with initial knowledge. This is a modern textbook on tensor calculus for engineers in line with contemporary scientific publications.

Klappentext

There is a large gap between engineering courses in tensor algebra on one hand, and the treatment of linear transformations within classical linear algebra on the other. This book addresses primarily engineering students with some initial knowledge of matrix algebra. Thereby, mathematical formalism is applied as far as it is absolutely necessary. Numerous exercises provided in the book are accompanied by solutions enabling autonomous study. The last chapters deal with modern developments in the theory of isotropic and anisotropic tensor functions and their applications to continuum mechanics and might therefore be of high interest for PhD-students and scientists working in this area.

Inhalt

Vectors and Tensors in a Finite-Dimensional Space.- Vector and Tensor Analysis in Euclidean Space.- Curves and Surfaces in Three-Dimensional Euclidean Space.- Eigenvalue Problem and Spectral Decomposition of Second-Order Tensors.- Fourth-Order Tensors.- Analysis of Tensor Functions.- Analytic Tensor Functions.- Applications to Continuum Mechanics.