MMath&Phys Mathematics and Physics

This unit describes the fundamental theory of continuum mechanics in a unified mathematical framework. The unit will cover the formulation of governing conservation and balance laws in generalised coordinates in both Eulerian and Lagrangian viewpoints. Specific examples of constitutive modelling will be developed via the theories of nonlinear and linear elasticity together with those of compressible and incompressible fluid mechanics.

MATH45062 Pre-Requisites: MATH24420 and MATH35020 [Maths & Physics or Physics students can replace the prerequisite MATH24420 by PHYS20171]

Students are not permitted to take, for credit, MATH45061 in an undergraduate programme and then MATH65061 in a postgraduate programme at the University of Manchester, as the courses are identical.

Maths and Physics and Physic student can replace MATH24420 with PHYS20171.

The course unit concerns the formulation and solution of problems in continuum mechanics (solid and fluid mechanics)  from a modern unified perspective. The aims are (i) to introduce students to the general analytic machinery of tensor calculus, variational principles and conservation laws in order to formulate governing equations; (ii) to illustrate the principles of constitutive modelling; and (iii) to make students aware of some exact, approximate and numerical methods to solve the resulting equations.

On successful completion of this course unit students will be able to: 

• Use tensor algebra and calculus for calculations and derivations in general (curvilinear) coordinates.
• Derive the governing equations of continuum mechanics from Lagrangian and Eulerian viewpoints using the divergence and Reynolds transport theorems and use the same principles to extend the derivations to previously unseen situations.
• Determine whether particular vectors, tensors and derivatives are objective and explain the concept of objectivity.
• Use the Clausis-Duhem inequality to derive thermodynamically consistent constitutive laws and determine any implied constraints.
• Use the general theory to formulate and solve problems in linear and nonlinear elasticity and compressible and incompressible fluid mechanics.
• Solve idealised problems in continuum mechanics analytically in spherical, cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates.
• Be able to convert the physical description of a problem in continuum mechanics into the appropriate governing equations and boundary conditions and, conversely, provide a physical interpretation for the solutions.

• Introduction [4]: Vectors, tensors, co- and contra-variant transformation laws, invariance concepts, metric tensor, tensor calculus, divergence theorem.
• Kinematics [4]: Deformation maps, Lagrangean and Eulerian viewpoints, displacement, velocity and acceleration, material derivative, strain measures, strain invariants, deformation rates, Reynolds transport theorem. 
• Forces, momentum & stress [3]: The continuum hypothesis, linear and angular momenta, stress tensors, equations of equilibrium.
• Conservation and Balance Laws & Thermodynamics [3]: Conservation of mass and energy, balance of linear and angular momenta, work conjugacy, temperature and heat, first and second laws of thermodynamics, Clausius--Duhem inequality.
• Constitutive Modelling [3]: Introduction to constitutive relationships, axiom of objectivity, objective deformation rates, constitutive modelling for an ideal gas.
• Elasticity [5]: Constitutive modelling for thermoelastic materials, Hyperelastic materials, strain energy function, homogeneous, isotropic materials, incompressibility constraints, example analytic solutions, boundary conditions, linear thermoelasticity and reduction to Navier--Lame equations.
• Fluid Mechanics [5]: Constitutive modelling for fluids, isotropic fluids, Newtonian and Reiner--Rivlin fluids, example analytic solutions, boundary conditions, reduction to Navier--Stokes equations.

• Coursework - 20%: two assignments, each worth 10%; each should take aprox 7 hours.
• End of semester examination: weighting 80%

Tutorials represent the principal forum for feedback, providing an opportunity for students' work on example sheet questions and the coursework to be discussed. There are two coursework assignments in the form of extended calculations that both test understanding and provide opportunities for further feedback. Students can also get feedback on their understanding directly from the lecturer by making an appointment, for example during the lecturer's office hours.

• Spencer, A.J.M, Continuum Mechanics, Dover
• Gonzalez, O. and Stuart, A.M., A first course in continuum mechanics, CUP
• Irgens, F., Continuum Mechanics, Springer

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

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