Continuum solid mechanics. Mathematical foundations and applications to engineering and biological systems

Continuum solid mechanics builds the fundamental elements of research in many areas of engineering. Whereas areas such as structural engineering and strength of materials can be considered as classical arenas of solid mechanics, in the last decade it was recognised that major developments in emerging areas such as material sciences and biomedical engineering rely significantly on incorporating concepts of solid mechanics, leading to a new multi-disciplinary understanding of the subject and its role. The use of continuum solid mechanics is intertwined with improved mathematical skills and understanding of mathematical concepts.The importance of continuum solid mechanics in engineering stands in sharp contradiction to the level of knowledge acquired by graduates of UK-universities. The elementary courses in solid mechanics, designed to suit certain purposes, result in a rather fragmented picture of the subject. In general, the mathematical language used in formulating continuum solid mechanics, such as tensor analysis, is considered too difficult and does not constitute part of the curriculum of engineering students.The summer school aims to improve the capabilities of engineering PhD students in the area of continuum solid mechanics. It should help to bridge the gap between the level of knowledge in continuum solid mechanics and its mathematical background, available for engineering PhD students and that, which is really necessary in order for them to conduct research at an internationally competitive level.