The intent of this book is to provide a background in the mechanics of solids for students of mechanical engineering without confusing them with too much detail on why materials behave as they do. The topics of this book are similar to those in Deformation and Fracture of Solids by R. M. Caddell. Much of the material is drawn from another book by the author, Mechanical Behavior of Materials. To make the text suitable for Mechanical Engineers, the chapters on slip, dislocations, twinning, residual stresses, and hardening mechanisms have been eliminated and the treatments in other chapters about ductility, viscoelasticity, creep, ceramics, and polymers have been simplified. If there is insufficient time or interest, the last two chapters, “Mechanical Working” and “Anisotropy,” may be omitted. It is assumed that the students have already had courses covering materials science and basic statics.

I want to thank Professor Robert Caddell for the inspiration to write texts. Discussions with Professor Jwo Pan about what to include were helpful.