An Introduction to Biomechanics: Solids and Fluids, Analysis and Design

This textbook introduces the student to a consistent approach of formulating and solving problems involving the biomechanics of solids and fluids. Brief introductions are also provided for more complex situations that require methods of nonlinear elasticity, elastodynamics, viscoelasticity, or fluid-solid interactions. Concepts are motivated by concise descriptions of important biological, biomechanical, and clinical observations and techniques. Included are over 300 figures and 200 references, as well as complete derivations of the fundamental equations, solutions of over 100 example problems, and over 350 exercise problems.

Perfect for a one- or two-semester introduction to biomechanics, this Third Edition includes expanded sections on complex fluid (non-Newtonian) and solid (nonlinear and anisotropic) behaviors as well as coupled problems for different tissues. Additional homework problems encourage the student to appreciate the broad applicability of the fundamental equations. 

An Introduction to Biomechanics, Third Edition is an ideal book for undergraduate students with interests in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or biomechanical engineering, and serves as a valuable reference for graduate students, practicing engineers, and researchers.

This book also:

• Guides students in developing intuitive understanding via a consistent consideration of diverse problems including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and cell mechanics        
• Encourages students to develop a “big picture” approach to problem-solving in biomechanics through chapter summaries
• Challenges students to solve problems for conditions commonly experienced in the laboratory, industry, or the clinic

Jay D. Humphrey is John C. Malone Professor and former Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University. He received the Ph.D. degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from The Georgia Institute of Technology and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Cardiovascular Research at The Johns Hopkins University. He authored the book Cardiovascular Solid Mechanics: Cells, Tissues, and Organs, co-authored the book Style and Ethics of Communication in Science and Engineering, co-edited the book Cardiovascular Soft Tissue Mechanics, and authored or co-authored chapters for over 30 other books or encyclopedias as well as over 400 archival technical papers. He served as Chair of the United States National Committee on Biomechanics and was founding co-Editor In Chief for the international journal Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology. He is Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Bioengineering Division), the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers, and the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering.

Sherry L. O’Rourke is a Technical Field Engineer at Medtronic Inc. in the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Division. She received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University and co-authored an archival paper on the biomechanics of the lens capsule of the eye, which is important in understanding device design for cataract surgery. Since graduation she has spent her professional life dedicated to designing, developing, and teaching programs to help physicians, residents, and nurses ensure that patients receive the maximum benefit from pacemakers and implantable defibrillators that are designed for those suffering from chronic heart disease.