
No mechanics of materials book can possibly show you how to analyze every type of problem you may come across. Most mechanics of materials textbooks focus on complex derivations and variables that result in several relatively simple formulas without providing a whole lot of explanation along the way.
Mechanics of Materials For Dummiesgives you the basic rundown of the theory but focuses more on why you need to know the formulas and how to apply them rather than where exactly they came from. I intend this book to serve more as an application-oriented text that utilizes the basic theories. What exactly is a stress, and how do you relate it to the load-carrying capability of a material? How do you determine the capacity of a long, slender column? How do you compute the angle of twist of a shaft under torsion loads? All these topics (and many, many more) are common application problems in engineering, and they provide a basis for the core of discussion covered in this text.
Tip: For even more background on the topics in this book, check out my Statics For Dummies(Wiley); it can help you refresh the statics vital to mechanics of materials.
Introduction
Part I: Setting the Stage for Mechanics of Materials
Chapter 1: Predicting Behavior with Mechanics of Materials .
Chapter 2: Reviewing Mathematics and Units Used in Mechanics of Materials
Chapter 3: Brushing Up on Statics Basics
Chapter 4: Calculating Properties of Geometric Areas
Chapter 5: Computing Moments of Area and Other Inertia Calculations .
Part II: Analyzing Stress

No mechanics of materials book can possibly show you how to analyze every type of problem you may come across. Most mechanics of materials textbooks focus on complex derivations and variables that result in several relatively simple formulas without providing a whole lot of explanation along the way.
Mechanics of Materials For Dummiesgives you the basic rundown of the theory but focuses more on why you need to know the formulas and how to apply them rather than where exactly they came from. I intend this book to serve more as an application-oriented text that utilizes the basic theories. What exactly is a stress, and how do you relate it to the load-carrying capability of a material? How do you determine the capacity of a long, slender column? How do you compute the angle of twist of a shaft under torsion loads? All these topics (and many, many more) are common application problems in engineering, and they provide a basis for the core of discussion covered in this text.
Tip: For even more background on the topics in this book, check out my Statics For Dummies(Wiley); it can help you refresh the statics vital to mechanics of materials.
Introduction
Part I: Setting the Stage for Mechanics of Materials
Chapter 1: Predicting Behavior with Mechanics of Materials .
Chapter 2: Reviewing Mathematics and Units Used in Mechanics of Materials
Chapter 3: Brushing Up on Statics Basics
Chapter 4: Calculating Properties of Geometric Areas
Chapter 5: Computing Moments of Area and Other Inertia Calculations .
Part II: Analyzing Stress