Matter as a deformable continuum

Derive continuum balances and constitutive laws, then examine elastic waves, bending, defects, and the assumptions behind material models.

10 published lessons1 module298 min of guided study
  1. 01
    Matter as a deformable continuumadvanced · 10 lessons

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Matter as a deformable continuum

Derive continuum balances and constitutive laws, then examine elastic waves, bending, defects, and the assumptions behind material models.

  1. 01

    Follow matter through a continuum description

    Connect coarse graining, material labels, deformation gradients, and mass conservation without pretending that matter has no microscopic structure.

    30 min
  2. 02

    Separate small strain from small rotation

    Derive the infinitesimal strain tensor and distinguish engineering shear, rigid rotation, and finite-strain corrections.

    32 min
  3. 03

    Recover the force on a cut from Cauchy stress

    Use an explicit stress-index convention to calculate traction, normal stress, and shear on arbitrary oriented surfaces.

    31 min
  4. 04

    Build local momentum balance for a solid

    Connect surface tractions, stress divergence, body forces, inertia, and boundary data in a continuum equation of motion.

    32 min
  5. 05

    Connect stress and strain in an isotropic solid

    Use Lamé parameters, bulk and shear moduli, and loading constraints to distinguish uniaxial stress from uniaxial strain.

    34 min
  6. 06

    Elastic Energy and Material Stability

    Separate volumetric and distortional energy to determine whether an isotropic elastic law resists every small strain.

    26 min
  7. 07

    Longitudinal and Transverse Elastic Waves

    Derive the two bulk wave speeds in an isotropic solid and separate polarization, propagation, and interference.

    28 min
  8. 08

    Beam Bending and Euler Buckling

    Connect cross-section geometry to bending stiffness and derive the first instability load of a pin-ended elastic column.

    29 min
  9. 09

    Dislocations and Plastic Deformation

    Connect crystal slip to line defects, resolved shear, and the dimensional meaning of the Orowan strain-rate relation.

    28 min
  10. 10

    Viscoelastic Response and Relaxation

    Derive Maxwell stress relaxation, distinguish it from creep, and interpret a relaxation time without confusing it with oscillator damping.

    28 min
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