Continuum mechanics describes how internal and boundary forcing can affect and change the interiors of bodies.

In this class, we use Cartesian tensors to describe stress and strain, strain rate, and other continuum behaviors such as thermal response.

We will apply continuum concepts to studies of the Earth. For more details, see SCHEDULE page.

Continuum Mechanics can be applied in many fields of study besides the Earth Sciences. For example, see CORKS link at right, which involves stress, strain, and constitutive relations.

Grades in ESS 411 will be assesssed on homework solutions (50%), the final exam (20%), the mid-term (20%), and class participation (10%).

In 511, grades will be based on the same items, with the addition of the term project. Weights for the exams and participation will be the same, but homework will count for 40% and the final project for 10% of the final grade.

G.T. Mase and G.E. Mase, 1999. Continuum mechanics for engineers. Second edition. CRC Press.

Other required reading assignments will be available on-line through the NOTES page.

Supplementary book:
Turcotte, D.L. and G. Schubert. 2002. Geodynamics: applications of continuum physics to geological problems. Second edition. Wiley.

We will probably do some occasional reading and problems from this book. The appropriate sections will be made available as needed.

Other Helpful References
G. Oertel, Stress and Deformation: A handbook on tensors in geology, Oxford, 1996.
G. Davies, Dynamic Earth: Plates plumes and mantle convection, Cambridge, 1999.

: At the start of each class, one participant will summarize the key take-away messages from the previous class. This should take 3 minutes or less. (The goal is not to give a synopsis of the developments during the class but rather to extract just the key ideas.)

Paticipants are encouraged to work together on assignments and studying sessions, but all participants should then write up their own answers in their own words.

We encourage questions and discussions during class if points are unclear.