MCE 550 Theory of Continuous Media
Spring 2006 
Professor M. H. Sadd, 208 Wales, 874-5548, sadd@egr.uri.edu 
Text: Theory of Continuous Media - Class Notes by M.H. Sadd 

Course Objectives:
This course is designed to provide the foundation for advanced studies in the mechanical and thermal behavior of solid and fluid materials from the continuum point of view.  Cartesian and general tensor concepts and notation will be developed in detail and used through out the course.  Coverage will inlcude:  small and large deformation theory; various time rates; Cauchy and Piola-Kirchhoff stress; and development of conservation (balance) principles appropriate to mechanical and thermal material behavior.  A large variety of material constitutive laws will be introduced to formulate several models which  demonstrate the broad application of continuum mechanics to many materials of engineering interest.

Course Outline: 
     Index Notation and Cartesian and General Tensors
     Infinitesimal and Finite Deformation Theory
     General Concepts of Stress
     Fundamental Conservation Principles
     Linear Constitutive Laws
          Elasticity
             Fluid Mechanics
          Viscoelasticity
          Plasticity
          Poro-Elasticity
          Micro-Polar Elasticity
          Thermoelasticity
     Nonlinear Constitutive Laws
          Finite Elasticity
          Non-Newtonian Fluids
             Nonlinear Viscoelastic Materials 
          
Grading:
     Homework          30%
     Term Project       20%
     Mid-Term Exam  20%
     Final Exam          30%

Project Description and Topics

Polyisobutylene Relaxation Data