Book excerpt: An introduction to the fundamental concepts of solid materials and their properties The primary recommended text of the Council of Engineering Institutions for university undergraduates studying the mechanics of solids New chapters covering revisionary mathematics, geometrical properties of symmetrical sections, bending stresses in beams, composites and the finite element method Free electronic resources and web downloads support the material contained within this book Mechanics of Solids provides an introduction to the behaviour of solid materials and their properties, focusing upon the fundamental concepts and principles of statics and stress analysis. Essential reading for first year undergraduates, the mathematics in this book has been kept as straightforward as possible and worked examples are used to reinforce key concepts. Practical stress and strain scenarios are also covered including stress and torsion, elastic failure, buckling, bending, as well as examples of solids such as thin-walled structures, beams, struts and composites. This new edition includes new chapters on revisionary mathematics, geometrical properties of symmetrical sections, bending stresses in beams, composites, the finite element method, and Ross’s computer programs for smartphones, tablets and computers.