CEE 3720 - Intermediate Solid Mechanics

Fall, Summer (offered in summer through the Engineering Cooperative Program). 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: MATH 2940, ENGRD 2020, ENGRD 3200.

D.H. Warner.

This course introduces students to the mathematical framework that describes the deformation of solids and structures due to the action of mechanical and thermal loads. The course is intended to provide a foundation for better understanding and utilizing popular and novel engineering analysis tools associated with predicting mechanical behavior, e.g. finite element analysis. Focusing on linear elasticity, yield criteria, and basic fracture mechanics, this course emphasizes the development of a mechanical intuition that will enable students to better solve problems and innovate across a broad range of domains, e.g. civil, aerospace, nuclear, biomedical, and mechanical engineering, as well as the physical, geological, and materials sciences.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate the ability to utilize common constitutive laws to relate stress to mechanical and thermal strains in three dimensions (and vice versa).

Outcome 2: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the mechanical boundary value problem as related to the stress and strain fields that arise in a three dimensional solid.

Outcome 3: Demonstrate the ability to utilize basic continuum mechanics and computing resources to analyze real-world problems in mechanics.

Outcome 4: Demonstrate the ability to utilize common yield surfaces (and fracture criteria) to qualitatively assess mechanical response in three dimensions.