9R26. Linearized Theory of Elasticity. - WS Slaughter (Dept of Mech Eng, Univ of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15261). Birkhauser Boston, Cambridge MA. 2002. 543 pp. ISBN 0-8176-4117-3. $79.95.
Reviewed by J Petrolito (Sch of Sci and Eng, La Trobe Univ, PO Box 199, Bendigo, Vic 3550, Australia).
This is a graduate-level text on elasticity theory that is aimed towards engineering students. There is a good balance between theory and practical applications, with the latter being particularly important for the stated audience. Elasticity theory is treated as a specialization of continuum mechanics rather than as an isolated theory. This approach acknowledges the basic concepts of continuum mechanics, without burdening the presentation with excessive generalities.
The book is divided into 11 chapters and an appendix. The first chapter contains a brief review of some very basic undergraduate theory on mechanics of solids. Although the author’s intention was to link this material with...