For some years, we have taught an introductory course in biomechanics within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto. We have been unable to find a textbook suitable for the purpose of introducing engineers and others having a “hard science” background to the field of biomechanics. That is not to say that excellent books on biomechanics do not exist; in fact, there are many. However, they are typically at a level that is too advanced for an introductory course, or they cover too limited a subset of topics for purposes of an introductory course.

This book represents an attempt to fill this void. It is not meant to be an extensive treatise on any particular branch of biomechanics, but rather to be an introduction to a wide selection of biomechanics-related topics. Our hope is that it will aid the student in his or her introduction to the fascinating world of bioengineering, and will lead some to pursue the topic in greater detail.

In writing this book, we have assumed that the reader has a background in engineering and mathematics, which includes introductory courses in dynamics, statics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and solid mechanics. No prior knowledge of biology, anatomy, or physiology is assumed, and in fact every section begins with a review of the relevant biological background. Each chapter then emphasizes identification and description of the essential aspects of the related biomechanics problems.