Models in Kinematics for Engineers

This book covers all the standard introductory topics in classical mechanics, for main part the kinematics (the analysis of trajectories, velocities, and accelerations of different points of a body). Starting from basic liaison conditions between different bodies existing in mechanics are analyzed the principal technical pairs of bodies that assure the technical contact in a multibody system. The main problems that may arise in engineering practice are analyzed and numerous problems illustrate the presentation. As a theoretical field, classical mechanics is noted for its intrinsic beauty, richness, and depth as well as its coherence and elegance. This book aims to emphasize the harmony and beauty of classical mechanics. Because of the writers’ extensive experience, their presentation style has been put to the test throughout many years of working with pupils. Advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students interested in the engineering application of contemporary techniques in classical mechanics are the target audience for this textbook. To encourage a thorough comprehension of the topic, the writers make an effort to write in an understandable and methodical manner. The writers used practical examples to motivate and illustrate each subject in this section of mechanics and statics.

It is well known that classical mechanics, viewed as a theoretical discipline, possesses an inherent beauty, depth, and richness and presents coherence and elegance. This book tries to highlight this beauty and harmony that classical mechanics offers. The long experience of the authors means that the way of presentation is intensively tested in the decades of contact with students. The textbook is mainly addressed to advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students who are interested in the engineering application of modern methods in classical mechanics. The authors try to use a clear and systematic style to promote a good understanding of the subject.

Sorin Vlase is a full professor of Mechanics at Transilvania University of Brasov. He finished the Faculty of Mechanics at Transilvania University of Brasov (1976) and the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Bucharest. In the year 1989, he defend his Ph.D. Thesis in the field of Mechanical Engineering. In the period 1976–1978, he was an engineer at the Factory of trucks in Brasov, and in the period 1978–1980, he was a design engineer at the Research Center for Automotive Engineering in Brasov. From 1980 to 1984, he was an assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, from 1984 to1991 lecturer, from 1991 to 1996 associated professor, and in 1996 become full professor at Transilvania University of Brasov. From 2004 to 2020 he was the head of Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 2014, he became doctor Habil in the domain of automotive engineering. From 2012, he is a member of the Technical Sciences Academy of Romania. From 2024 he is a researcher at the Romanian Academy, Institute of Solid Mechanics.

Marin Marin is a full professor of Applied Mathematics at Transilvania University of Brasov. He graduated the Faculty of Mathematics with “Diploma of Merit” at University “Al. Cuza” of Jassy, Romania in 1979 (and with a master’s degree). In the year 1994, he defend his Ph.D. Thesis in the field of Applied Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Bucharest. In 2013, he became the professor Habil in the domain of Applied Mathematics, at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Bucharest. Professor Marin was awarded by the Romanian Academy in 2012, and in 2019, he received the title of Honoris Causa from the “Ovidius” University of Constanta. Since 2023, he has been a member of the Academy of Romanian Scientists.

Andreas Öchsner is a full professor of Lightweight Design and Structural Simulation at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Germany. After completing his Dipl.-Ing. degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart (1997), he served as a research and teaching assistant at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg from 1997 to 2003 while pursuing his Doctor of Engineering Sciences (Dr.-Ing.) degree. From 2003 to 2006, he was an assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the head of the Cellular Metals Group affiliated with the University of Aveiro, Portugal. He spent seven years (2007–2013) as a full professor at the Department of Applied Mechanics, Technical University of Malaysia, where he was also the head of the Advanced Materials and Structure Lab. From 2014 to 2017, he was a full professor at the School of Engineering, Griffith University, Australia.

Maria Luminita Scutaru is a highly accomplished individual with master degrees in Computational Mechanics and doctoral degree in the field of Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the Transilvania University of Brasov. From 2019 to present, she is the head of Mechanical Engineering Department. In the year 2015, she defended her Ph.D. Thesis in the field of Mechanical Engineering and became doctor habil in the Mechanical Engineering field. In 2016, she became a full professor at Transilvania University of Brasov. She has extensive experience as a full professor and currently serves as a Ph.D. supervisor in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on dynamics systems, multibody systems, and innovative materials.

With an H Index of 18 on Web of Science, she has published over 100 papers in ISI Journals, showcasing her expertise and contribution to the field.