ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the basics of continuum mechanics [1–5], from the fundamental understanding of material point to the derivation of elastodynamic equation used in wave propagation problems. First, this chapter introduces the Eulerian and Lagrangian coordinate systems used in deformable bodies during wave propagation analysis. To describe the motion of the particles during the wave propagation in a deformable body, time rate of change of important variable parameters is explained using spatial and material derivatives. Further axioms of continuum mechanics are introduced, and mathematical expressions are explained to derive the fundamental elastodynamic equation. At last, thermodynamics of continuum is also briefly discussed, which concerns only the kinetic, potential, internal, strain, and total mechanical energy in a deformable body.
