Ideal for engineering students with some knowledge of matrix algebra, this text bridges the gap between tensor algebra and the treatment of linear transformations in classical linear algebra. This revised second edition has additional examples and exercises.

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.

Compact and illustrated introduction for readers of different levels Numerous exercises with solutions Applications to continuum mechanics Tensor algebra in absolute notation Treatment of tensors on the basis of linear algebra Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

Prof. Itskov studied Automobile Engineering at the Moscow State Automobile and Road Technical University, Russia. In 1990 he received his doctoral degree in mechanics, and in 2002 he obtained his habilitation degree in mechanics from the University of Bayreuth, Germany. Since 2004 he has been full professor for continuum mechanics at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His research interests comprise tensor analysis, non-linear continuum mechanics, in particular the application to anisotropic materials, as well as the mechanics of elastomers and soft tissues in a broad sense.

Klappentext

There is a large gap between the engineering course in tensor algebra on the one hand and the treatment of linear transformations within classical linear algebra on the other hand. The aim of this modern textbook is to bridge this gap by means of the consequent and fundamental exposition. The book is addressed primarily to engineering students with some initial knowledge of matrix algebra. Thereby the mathematical formalism is applied as far as it is absolutely necessary. Numerous exercises provided in the book are accompanied by solutions enabling an autonomous study. The last chapters of the book 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.

This second edition is completed by a number of additional examples and exercises. The text and formulae are thoroughly revised and improved where necessary.

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.