Stephen P. Timoshenko

An Introduction to the Theory of Elasticity

AbstractA CONSIDERABLE gap exists between the preparation in engineering mechanics which is usually given in engineering schools and the preparation required to read such fundamental books as A. E. H. Loves “Mathematical Theory of Elasticity” or Lord Rayleighs “Theory of Sound”. Owing to this gap, new developments in the theoretical sciences are very slow to find their way into engineering literature, and it sometimes happens that very powerful methods which could be utilized in solving engineering problems remain for many years without applications. A striking example of this situation is represented by Clerk Maxwells important paper “On the Calculation of the Equilibrium and Stiffness of Frames” (Phil. Mag., 27; 1864). In this very condensed paper a general method of analysis of statically indeterminate trusses was developed for the first time. Although the problem of handling statically in-determined structures is of great practical importance, Maxwells solution of the problem remained unknown to engineers until ten years later, when the method was rediscovered by 0. Mohr (Z, Architekten- und Ingenieur-Vereins zu Hannover, p. 223; 1874), and put in the form which is now largely used in our theory of structures. Another example is represented by Rayleighs method of approximate solution of vibration problems, which is so extensively and skilfully used by Prof. R. V. Southwell in the book under notice. Although the method was developed more than fifty years ago, its incorporation into English engineering books is a recent development.An Introduction to the Theory of Elasticity: for Engineers and Physicists. By Prof. R. V. Southwell. (Oxford Engineering Science Series.) Pp. ix+510. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1936.) 30s. net.