NFYK10005U Continuum Mechanics

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Physics
Content
In the macroscopic world, most materials that surround us e.g. solids and liquids can safely be assumed to exist as continua, that is, the materials completely fill the space they occupy and the underlying atomic structures can be neglected. The course offers a modern introduction to the physics of continuous matter with an emphasis on examples from natural occurring systems (e.g. in astrophysics, geophysics and other fields). Focus is equally on the underlying formalism of continuum mechanics and phenomenology. In the course you will become familiar with the mechanical behavior of materials ranging from viscous fluids to elastic solids.

A description of fluids in motion including Eulaer equations, potential flow, Stokes flow, Viscocity and the Navier-Stokes equation. Boundary layer problems will be considered. A description of the deformation of solids, mehcanical equilibrium, the stress and strain tensors, Hooke's law and linear elsticity and a derivation of the Navier-Cauchy equation as well as examples from elastostatics:bending beams and torsion of shafts. Elastodynamics and elastic waves.
Learning Outcome

Skills
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to

  • use the fundamental physical laws of mass conservation, conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy to derive differential equations describing the behavior of objects modeled as a continuum
  • calculate the stress and strain during small deformations of linear elastic materials in simple geometries.

Knowledge
The student will be able to

  • describe the flow of fluids in basic idealized systems using the Euler equations
  • describe creeping flows
  • describe in detail the Navier-Stokes equation
  • recognize stress and strain tensors, Hooke's lan and the Navier-Cauchy equation

Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within this research field, e.g. an M.Sc. project.
The course will provide the students with tools that have application in a range of fields within and beyond physics.

To be announced

Lectures and exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • E-Learning
  • 0,5
  • Exam
  • 146,5
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 min
Without preparation time
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
SeeSkills.