MATH 710: Continuum Mechanics
Spring 2026 Course information
| Class Time/Place: | MoWe 1:00pm–2:15pm, MP 412 |
| Office: | MP 402 |
| Phone: | 410–455–2458 |
| Email: | rostamian@umbc.edu |
| Office hours: | MoWe 2:15pm–3:30pm |
Course content
Continuum mechanics is the study of the relationship between forces and deformations in continuous media. Its applications include fluid mechanics, linear and nonlinear elasticity, viscoelasticity, gas dynamics, and many other material models. In this course, we focus on the foundations of the subject, which are independent of any particular application. The results will be illustrated through applications to linear and nonlinear elasticity, as well as Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics.
There is no prescribed textbook. I will provide class notes which you will need to supplement with your own notes.
Prerequisites
Linear Algebra (including eigenvalues and eigenvectors), Multivariable Calculus (including surface integrals and the Divergence Theorem), and some familiarity with Newton's Laws of motion (force = mass times acceleration).
Evaluation
I will assign homework throughout the course, collect and grade them, and assign grades of A through F (possibly with plus or minus adjustments). Your course grade will be based on the cumulative performance on these assignments.
If the enrollment is not too large, I may also give you reading assignments (generally published articles) which you will study and then present in class. Such presentations also will receive grades of A through F which will merge with those of the homework.
Course calendar and activity log
| Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Mon Jan 26 | Snow day; no class |
| Wed Jan 28 | Snow day; no class |
| Mon Feb 2 |
• Historical background (slideshow) • Timeline |
| Wed Feb 4 | HW1: Exercises 1 and 2 (Due Feb 11) |
| Mon Feb 9 | HW2: Exercises 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 1.10, 1.12 |
| Wed Feb 11 | HW2: Exercises 1.13, 1.14 |
| Mon Feb 16 | |
| Wed Feb 18 | |
| Mon Feb 23 | |
| Wed Feb 25 | |
| Mon Mar 2 | |
| Wed Mar 4 | |
| Mon Mar 9 | |
| Wed Mar 11 | |
| Mon Mar 16 | Spring Break |
| Wed Mar 18 | Spring Break |
| Mon Mar 23 | |
| Wed Mar 25 | |
| Mon Mar 30 | |
| Wed Apr 1 | |
| Mon Apr 6 | |
| Wed Apr 8 | |
| Mon Apr 13 | |
| Wed Apr 15 | |
| Mon Apr 20 | |
| Wed Apr 22 | |
| Mon Apr 27 | |
| Wed Apr 29 | |
| Mon May 4 | |
| Wed May 6 | |
| Mon May 11 | |
Notes & Comments
Registrar's info
Registrar's Office Dates and Deadlines
Lecture notes
Updated Feb 9
Videos
Unless otherwise noted, these videos are from
the collection of
Dr. Simulate
on YouTube.
• What are tensors?
UMBC Honors Code
By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal.
Student Disability Services (SDS)
Services for students with disabilities are provided for all students qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADAA of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act who request and are eligible for accommodations. The Office of Student Disability Services is the UMBC department designated to coordinate accommodations that would allow for students to have equal access and inclusion in their courses.
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