Solid Mechanics for Geologists

The course gives the geology students the required preliminary knowledge in solid mechanics so that they be able to follow courses TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course and TGB4260 Numerical Modelling for Rock Engineering later in their studies within Environmental and Construction Geology.

Mathematical preliminaries (30-40%): basic linear algebra; matrices, vectors and tensors; eigenvalues.

Solid mechanics (60-70%): stresses and strains; principal stresses; plane stress and plane strain; elasticity; plasticity; viscoelasticity; failure criteria; stress concentration; brittle and ductile behavior; mechanical properties; heterogeneity; representative elementary volume; size effect; contact problems; experimental measurement of stresses and strains in the laboratory.

Knowledge: The student will understand mathematical concepts (vector, tensor, eigenvalue) that are central in solid mechanics. The student will understand the difference between different types of material behavior - brittle, ductile, elastic, plastic, viscoelastic, creep. The student will understand the difference between different failure criteria. The student will understand the difference between plane strain and plane stress conditions. The student will understand how stress concentration happens and what consequences it has. The student will understand different types of boundary conditions.

Skills: The student will be able to perform basic algebraic operations on matrices, vectors and tensors. The student will be able to calculate principal stresses in two-dimensional problems. The student will be able to make a choice amongst different failure criteria. The student will be able to evaluate the effect of stress concentration.

General expertise: The student will obtain preliminary expertise that is required to follow courses TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course and TGB4260 Numerical Modelling for Rock Engineering. This will directly contribute to achieving UN sustainable development goal 4 "Quality education".

Weekly colloquia; self-study; mandatory assignments.

The course is taught in English.

The course is evaluated by a reference group.