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PREFACE

The main purpose of this book is to provide the student with a
clear and thorough presentation of the theory and application of
engineering mechanics.
The primary purpose of the study of engineering mechanics is to
develop the capacity to predict the effects of force and motion while
carrying out the creative design functions of engineering. This
capacity requires more than a mere knowledge of the physical and
mathematical principles of mechanics, also required is the ability to
visualize physical configurations in terms of real materials, actual
constraints, and the practical limitations which govern the behavior of
machines and structures. One of the primary objectives in a mechanics
course is to help the student develop this ability to visualize, which is
so vital to problem formulation. Indeed, the construction of a
meaningful mathematical model is often a more important experience
than its solution. Maximum progress is made when the principles and
their limitations are learned together within the context of engineering
application.
It is very important to understand that, at best, theory can only
approximate the real world of mechanics rather than the view that the
real world approximates the theory. This difference in philosophy is
indeed basic and distinguishes the engineering of mechanics from the
science of mechanics.
The authors of the textbook do not recommend learning by heart
the basic principles, theorems and laws. Simple memorizing is not
effective. Main theses, assumption s and initial principles should be
single out and conclusions should be drawn from every law. It is
necessary to understand the physical meaning of principles.
The process of studying any topic consists of reading the
textbook. Each new reading of a theme should include the following
stages of training: familiarization, logical understanding topic
fragments and mathematical basis.
Topics denoted by "*" are not mandatory for study. These topics
are called advanced. In the opinion of the authors every future
engineer should get familiar with them.

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