The History of the Theory of Structures: From Arch Analysis to Computational Mechanics - Hardcover

Kurrer, Karl–Eugen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3433018383 ISBN 13: 9783433018385

Publisher: Wiley VCH, 2008

Synopsis

This book traces the evolution of theory of structures and strength of materials – the development of the geometrical thinking of the Renaissance to become the fundamental engineering science discipline rotted in classical mechanics. Starting with the strength experiments of Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo, the author examines the emergence of individual structural analysis methods and their formation into theory of structures in the 19th century. For the first time, a book of this kind also outlines the development from classical theory of structures to the structural mechanics and computational mechanics of the 20th century. In doing so, the author has managed to bring alive the differences between the players with respect to their engineering and scientific profiles and personalities, and to create an understanding for the social context. Brief insights into common methods of analysis, backed up by historical details, help the reader gain au understanding of the history of structural mechanics from the standpoint of modern engineering practice. A total of 175 brief biographies of important personalities in civil and structural engineering as well as structural mechanics plus an extensive bibliography round off this work.

About this title

About the Authors

Dr.-Ing. Karl-Eugen Kurrer has been chief editor of the journal "Stahlbau", published by Ernst & Sohn, Berlin, since 1996. His interest in the history of theory of structures from the scientific and engineering perspectives began some 30 years ago. The great success of his book "Geschichte der Baustatik" published at the end of 2002, the repeated requests for an English edition and the members of the Berlin-based VDI History of Engineering Study Group inspired him to write this revised edition.

Dr.-Ing. Karl-Eugen Kurrer ist seit 1996 Chefredakteur der Zeitschrift "Stahlbau" im Verlag Ernst & Sohn in Berlin. Seit 30 Jahren beschäftigt er sich mit der Geschichte der Baustatik aus wissenschafts- und technikhistorischer Perspektive. Der große Erfolg seines Ende 2002 veröffentlichten Buches "Geschichte der Baustatik", der immer wieder geäußerte Wunsch nach einer englischsprachigen Ausgabe und die Leitung des Berliner VDI-Arbeitskreises Technikgeschichte regten ihn dazu an, dieses Buch zu verfassen.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley VCH
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3433018383
• ISBN 13: 9783433018385
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 848