ABSTRACT
The subject of mechanics of deformable solids is concerned with finding stresses, strains, and displacements within solids due to externally prescribed loads (or displacements). If deformations are infinitesimal and material behavior is linear elastic, the problem is a classical elastic problem. Complete solutions to these problems must satisfy sets of basic equations, namely; equations of equilibrium, equations of compatibility, and elastic stress-strain relations (Hooke's law). Three types of boundary conditions are encountered in mechanics of solids boundary-value problems. In the first type, displacements are prescribed over the entire boundary of the body. In the second type, loads (forces, moments, stresses) are prescribed over the entire boundary of the body. In the third type, displacements are prescribed over a part of the boundary, while loads are prescribed over the rest of the boundary. This is known as a mixed boundary-value problem.
