Dwight Look College of Engineering

Identification of powered parafoil-vehicle dynamics from modelling and flight test data

Hur, Gi-Bong, 1963- (Texas A&M University, August 16, 2006)

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Introduction to vectors and tensors, Vol 1: linear and multilinear algebra

Bowen, Ray M.; Wang, C. C. (Plenum Press, 1976)

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Abstract:

This work represents our effort to present the basic concepts of vector and tensor analysis. Volume I begins with a brief discussion of algebraic structures followed by a rather detailed discussion of the algebra of vectors and tensors. Volume II begins with a discussion of Euclidean Manifolds which leads to a development of the analytical and geometrical aspects of vector and tensor fields. a discussion of general differentiable manifolds. We have not included a discussion of general differentiable manifolds. However, we have included a chapter on vector and tensor fields defined on Hypersurfaces in a Euclidean Manifold. In preparing this two volume work our intention is to present to Engineering and Science students a modern introduction to vectors and tensors. Traditional courses on applied mathematics have emphasized problem solving techniques rather than the systematic development of concepts. As a result, it is possible for such courses to become terminal mathematics courses rather than courses which equip the student to develop his or her understanding further. As Engineering students our courses on vectors and tensors were taught in the traditional way. We learned to identify vectors and tensors by formal transformation rules rather than by their common mathematical structure. The subject seemed to consist of nothing but a collection of mathematical manipulations of long equations decorated by a multitude of subscripts and superscripts. Prior to our applying vector and tensor analysis to our research area of modern continuum mechanics, we almost had to relearn the subject. Therefore, one of our objectives in writing this book is to make available a modern introductory textbook suitable for the first in-depth exposure to vectors and tensors. Because of our interest in applications, it is our hope that this book will aid students in their efforts to use vectors and tensors in applied areas. The presentation of the basic mathematical concepts is, we hope, as clear and brief as possible without being overly abstract. Since we have written an introductory text, no attempt has been made to include every possible topic. The topics we have included tend to reflect our personal bias. We make no claim that there are not other introductory topics which could have been included. Basically the text was designed in order that each volume could be used in a one-semester course. We feel Volume I is suitable for an introductory linear algebra course of one semester. Given this course, or an equivalent, Volume II is suitable for a one semester course on vector and tensor analysis. Many exercises are included in each volume. However, it is likely that teachers will wish to generate additional exercises. Several times during the preparation of this book we taught a one semester course to students with a very limited background in linear algebra and no background in tensor analysis. Typically these students were majoring in Engineering or one of the Physical Sciences. However, we occasionally had students from the Social Sciences. For this one semester course, we covered the material in Chapters 0, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 from Volume I and selected topics from Chapters 9, 10, and 11 from Volume 2. As to level, our classes have contained juniors, seniors and graduate students. These students seemed to experience no unusual difficulty with the material. It is a pleasure to acknowledge our indebtedness to our students for their help and forbearance. Also, we wish to thank the U. S. National Science Foundation for its support during the preparation of this work. We especially wish to express our appreciation for the patience and understanding of our wives and children during the extended period this work was in preparation.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2502

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Introduction to continuum mechanics for engineers

Bowen, Ray M. (Plenum Press, 1989)

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Abstract:

This textbook is intended to introduce engineering graduate students to the essentials of modern Continuum Mechanics. The objective of an introductory course is to establish certain classical continuum models within a modern framework. Engineering students need a firm understanding of classical models such as the linear viscous fluids (Navier-Stokes theory) and infinitesimal elasticity. This understanding should include an appreciation for the status of the classical theories as special cases of general nonlinear continuum models. The relationship of the classical theories to nonlinear models is essential in light of the increasing reliance, by engineering designers and researchers, on prepackaged computer codes. These codes are based upon models which have a specific and limited range of validity. Given the danger associated with the use of these computer codes in circumstances where the model is not valid, engineers have a need for an in depth understanding of continuum mechanics and the continuum models which can be formulated by use of continuum mechanics techniques. Classical continuum models and others involve a utilization of the balance equations of continuum mechanics, the second law of thermodynamics, the principles of material frameindifference and material symmetry. In addition, they involve linearizations of various types. In this text, an effort is made to explain carefully how the governing principles, linearizations and other approximations combine to yield classical continuum models. A fundamental understanding of these models evolve is most helpful when one attempts to study models which account for a wider array of physical phenomena. This book is organized in five chapters and two appendices. The first appendix contains virtually all of the mathematical background necessary to understand the text. The second appendix contains specialized results concerning representation theorems. Because many new engineering graduate students experience difficulties with the mathematical level of a modern continuum mechanics course, this text begins with a one dimensional overview. Classroom experience with this material has shown that such an overview is helpful to many students. Of course, more advanced students can proceed directly to the Chapter II. Chapter II is concerned with the kinematics of motion of a general continuum. Chapter III contains a discussion of the governing equations of balance and the entropy inequality for a continuum. The main portion of the text is contained in Chapter IV. This long chapter contains the complete formulation of various general continuum models. These formulations begin with general statements of constitutive equations followed by a systematic examination of these constitutive equations in light of the restrictions implied by the second law of thermodynamics, material frame-indifference and material symmetry. Chapter IV ends with an examination of the formal approximations necessary to specialize to the classical models mentioned above. So as to illustrate further applications of continuum mechanics, the final chapter contains an introductory discussion of materials with internal state variables. The book is essentially self contained and should be suitable for self study. It contains approximately two hundred and eighty exercises and one hundred and seventy references. The references at the end of each chapter are divided into References and General References. The References are citations which relate directly to the material covered in the proceeding chapter. The General References represent additional reading material which relate in a general way to the material in the chapter. This text book evolved over an extended period of time. For a number of years, early versions of the manuscript were used at Rice University. I am indebted for the assistance my many students gave me as the lecture notes evolved into a draft manuscript. The final manuscript has been utilized at the University of Kentucky by my colleague, Professor Donald C. Leigh, in an introductory graduate course. I am indebted to him for his many comments and suggestions.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2501

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