Preface Mechanics of Materials (or Strength of Materials) is an important engineering subject to students whose majors are civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architect, environmental engineering, etc. Mechanics of Materials provides essential knowledge on the mechanical behaviour of materials and structural members under loadings. The knowledge obtained from this subject builds a firm step for studying other follow-on engineering subjects. Also, it is useful for engineers in their higher study and future career. The role of this subject can be compared with a ‘foundation’ of a ‘building’.
This book has been written closely based on the course syllabus of the subject to meet the increasing demand on training high-quality and international students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM). In addition, Mechanics of Materials has been one of difficult subjects that students struggle and this book can therefore be a material for students to be successful in studying this subject.