An appealing and engaging introduction to Continuum Mechanics in Biosciences

This book presents the elements of Continuum Mechanics to people interested in applications to biological systems. It is divided into two parts, the first of which introduces the basic concepts within a strictly one-dimensional spatial context. This policy has been adopted so as to allow the newcomer to Continuum Mechanics to appreciate how the theory can be applied to important issues in Biomechanics from the very beginning. These include mechanical and thermodynamical balance, materials with fading memory and chemically reacting mixtures.

In the second part of the book, the fully fledged three-dimensional theory is presented and applied to hyperelasticity of soft tissue, and to theories of remodeling, aging and growth. The book closes with a chapter devoted to Finite Element analysis. These and other topics are illustrated with case studies motivated by biomedical applications, such as vibration of air in the air canal, hyperthermia treatment of tumours, striated muscle memory, biphasic model of cartilage and adaptive elasticity of bone.  The book offers a challenging and appealing introduction to Continuum Mechanics for students and researchers of biomechanics, and other engineering and scientific disciplines.

Key features:

• Explains continuum mechanics using examples from biomechanics for a uniquely accessible introduction to the topic
• Moves from foundation topics, such as kinematics and balance laws, to more advanced areas such as theories of growth and the finite element method..
• Transition from a one-dimensional approach to the general theory gives the book broad coverage, providing a clear introduction for beginners new to the topic, as well as an excellent foundation for those considering moving to more advanced application

The Elements of Continuum Biomechanics introduces the principles of biomechanics using a one-dimensional approach to allow readers to more easily understand the mathematical and practical details of this complex area.  Applying theory to specific examples in biomechanics, this theoretical framework allows the reader a clear understanding of the topic. The author presents the fundamentals in a traditional manner then moves on to discuss more complex topics related to biomechanics. The book includes treatments of materials with fading memory (exemplified by striated muscle), mixture theory (cartilage), theories with internal variables (growth and remodeling) and non-local interactions. A section also covers the finite element method which can be presented in greater detail by introducing the calculus of variations and the notion of weak formulation of equations of balance. Using case studies and examples from situations met in biomechanics, this book explains continuum mechanics.