NFYK10005U Continuum Mechanics

Volume 2026/2027
Education

MSc Programme in Physics
MSc Programme in Physics with a minor subject

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 the physics of complex systems and the Earth sciences). 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 the deformation of solids is given, including the concepts of mechanical equilibrium, the stress and strain tensors, linear elasticity. A derivation is given of the Navier-Cauchy equation as well as examples from elastostatics and elastodynamics including elastic waves. A description of fluids in motion is given including the Euler equations, potential flow, Stokes' flow and the Navier-Stokes equation. Examples of numerical modeling of continous matter will be given.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:
The student will 

  1. Be able to describe the flow of ideal fluids in basic idealized systems
  2. Be able to describe in detail the Navier-Stokes equation
  3. Be familiar with stress and strain tensors, linear elasticity and the Navier-Cauchy equation

 

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 partial differential equations describing the behaviour of objects modelled as a continuum. The students will be able to calculate the stress and strain during small deformations of linear elastic materials in simple geometries, as well as basic examples of fluid flow.

 

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

See Absalon

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures and exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 24
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • E-Learning
  • 0,5
  • Exam
  • 146,5
  • Total
  • 206,0
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes (no preparation time)
Examination prerequisites

Approval of 3 projects (group or individual)

Aid
No aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Same as the ordinary exam.

If a student has not fulfilled the exam registration requirement, they can hand in new projects no later than 3 weeks before the oral re-exam.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome