Introduction

The major objective of our study of Mechanics is the formulation and solution of initial-boundary-value problems that model as realistically as possible a physical phenomenon. There are two equally attractive approaches to Mechanics. One is the ad-hoc approach, which takes up specific problems, and devises problem-dependent methods of solution, introducing simplifying assumptions as needed. (This approach is used in Strength of Materials where problems of bending, torsion, pressure vessel are individually set up under varying assumptions and then solved.) The other is the general approach, which explores the general features of a concept or a theory and considers specific applications at a later stage. By and large, the latter is the quicker way to learn about an entire field, but the former is more concrete and sometimes more easily understood. We will study the general approach in this course.