ABSTRACT
The mathematical background needed to study damage mechanics is introduced in this chapter. In particular, vectors and tensors are introduced using the computer algebra system Maple. A short Maple tutorial is given first followed by vector and tensor analysis. It should be noted that the coverage of vectors and tensors is not comprehensive – only the needed material is shown. For more details, the reader is referred to the references by Chung (1996), Eringen (1980), Fung (1965), Fung (1994), Green and Zerna (1968), Hjelmstad (1997), Lai et al. (1984), Lubliner (1990), Maugin (1992), Marsden and Hughes (1983), Lemaitre (1996), McDonald (1996), Mroz (1973), Segel (1987), and Werde (1972).
