Book excerpt: The fifteen chapters of this book are arranged in a logical progression. The text begins with the more fundamental material on stress and strain transformations with elasticity theory for plane and axially symmetric bodies, followed by a full treatment of the theories of bending and torsion. Coverage of moment distribution, shear flow, struts and energy methods precede a chapter on finite elements. Thereafter, the book presents yield and strength criteria, plasticity, collapse, creep, visco-elasticity, fatigue and fracture mechanics. Appended is material on the properties of areas, matrices and stress concentrations. Each topic is illustrated by worked examples and supported by numerous exercises drawn from the author's teaching experience and professional institution examinations (CEI).This edition includes new material and an extended exercise section for each of the fifteen chapters, as well as three appendices. The broad text ensures its suitability for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in which the mechanics of solids and structures form a part including: mechanical, aeronautical, civil, design and materials engineering.