Introduction to Strength of Materials
Strength of Materials, often abbreviated SOM (or RDM in French), is an essential branch of mechanics that studies the behaviour of structures and solid bodies subjected to stresses (external actions). It allows us to understand how materials react to external forces, whether in terms of deformation, failure, or stability. This discipline is crucial for engineers and technicians, as it provides the theoretical and practical tools necessary to design and size safe and efficient structures, whether buildings, bridges, machines, or any other technical system.
The main objective of this course is to learn how to model and analyse internal forces (such as bending moments, shear forces, and normal stresses) that develop in structures under different loads and for different types of structures (isostatic and hyperstatic). We will cover key concepts such as stresses, strains, isotropic materials, the principle of superposition, and much more.
Throughout the chapters, we will see how to apply these concepts to concrete situations, in order to guarantee the safety and durability of structures, while optimising their use of materials.
- Teacher: Samia BOUZOUAID