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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-252 Continuum Mechanics and Waves

Credit Points:

6.25

Coordinator:

Dr V Gurarie and Dr L Thomas

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-121 + 640-122 or 640-141 + 640-142 (before 1996: 640-120 or 640-140); Mathematics 618-111 or 618-121 or 618-142 (before 1996: 618-101); Mathematics 618-112 or 618-122 or 618-200 or 618-211 (before 1996: 618-102); Mathematics 618-132 or 618-130.

Pre/Corequisite/s:

Mathematics 618-231

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

18 lectures and 9 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the end of this course the student should:

  • comprehend the elementary principles underlying our understanding of continuum mechanics, that is the mechanics of deformable media such as liquids and solids and of waves within such media;

  • be able to apply continuum mechanics to an understanding of the constitution and behaviour of the inaccessible interior of the earth;

  • appreciate the importance and power of these principles in our efforts to understand the macroscopic world.

Content:

Mechanics of elastic solids: stress; strain; elastic moduli; applied to real and ideal solids. Mechanics of fluids: basic equations; simple types of flow; turbulence. Diffusion and wave equations. Waves in fluids: sound waves; water waves; tides. Waves in solids; longitudinal, transverse, behaviour at interfaces. Seismic waves: exploration of the Earth's interior, plate tectonics and continental drift; seismic activity at the Earth's surface.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final marks.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Fung Y.C, A First Course in Continuum Mechanics, 1994, Prentice-Hall.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.