This course is concerned with the theoretical description of the mechanical behavior of structures from a continuum point of view. The core topics include finite kinematics, general principles, balance equations, constitutive relationships, and stability analysis. As it will be argued during the course, these concepts can be effectively utilized to analyze and design arbitrarily complex structures made up of a broad range of materials of practical interest including metals and composites.

• Introduction (tensor calculus, strain and stress definitions)
• Conservation laws and balance equations
• Constitutive relationships (linear elasticity, hyperelasticity, and viscoelasticity)
• Energy methods
• Applications (bending and torsion of beams, beams on elastic foundation, thin plates and shells)
• Preliminary plasticity and viscoplasticity