ABSTRACT
One of the most important applications of solid mechanics is to design structures, components, or materials that are capable of withstanding cyclic or static service loads. To do this, you need to be able to predict the conditions necessary to cause failure. Materials and structures can fail in many di erent ways, including by buckling, excessive plastic ow, fatigue and fracture, wear, or corrosion. Calculating the stresses in a structure or component can help to design against these failures but is usually not enough; it is also necessary to understand and to be able to predict the eff ects of stress.
