The book presents the variety of modern computational techniques to solve boundary value problems occurring in solid and structural mechanics. It is concentrated on the specific computational mechanics methodologies rather than on classes of problems. The reader can get an easier answer on the current status of specific methods (finite elements, boundary elements, finite differences) than to find an answer on the utility where these techniques should be used for solving mechanical problems. Exceptions to the above-mentioned rule can be found in chapters V and VI, which are devoted to structural optimization and design sensitivity problems with the emphasis on the formulation of the problem rather than on using any specific computational technique.
The book contains six chapters. The basic equations of nonlinear solid mechanics are given in chapter I on 20 pages. The finite element method is presented on 280 pages in chapter II, together with dynamics problems and with plasticity and stability problems. The finite difference method is presented on 90 pages in chapter III, and 110 pages are devoted to the boundary element method in chapter IV.
No computational approach can be displayed in a fully satisfactory manner without taking reference to the underlying computer implementation of the theory. The implementation of presented computational methods into computer codes goes beyond the scope of this book. However, the reader should be aware that most of the developments described in the book are based on the authors’ programming experience. Relatively extensive literature references can be found at the end of each chapter. The book can be useful for graduate students and for researchers in mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering.

Reviewer: Ján Sládek (Bratislava)