# solid mechanics > branch of science that studies the behavior of solid materials **Wikidata**: [Q1080293](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1080293) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_mechanics) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solid-mechanics ## Summary Solid mechanics is a branch of science that studies the behavior of solid materials. It is a subfield of continuum mechanics and is closely associated with mechanical engineering, mechanics, and materials science. The field encompasses the study of how solid objects deform and become internally stressed under various loading conditions. ## Key Facts - **Definition**: A branch of science that studies the behavior of solid materials. - **Parent Disciplines**: Part of continuum mechanics, mechanical engineering, mechanics, and materials science. - **Subsidiary Fields**: Contains elasticity theory, plasticity theory, and viscoelasticity. - **Related Fields**: Connected to the broader concepts of branch of engineering and academic discipline. - **Notable Figures**: Associated with Li Minhua (Chinese physicist) and Iosif Vorovich (Russian mathematician, 1920–2001). - **Aliases**: Also known as mechanics of solids. - **Identifiers**: GND (4129367-8), Dewey Decimal (531), Library of Congress Classification (2982), BNF (03221986n), NDL (00565652), FAST (19958652), NARA (401707), B71, SolidMechanics, 091308, 500666722, and 53995. - **Wikidata Classifications**: Instance of Q137582043, Q112506851, Q12015335, and Q11862829; subclass of Q41217 and Q228736. - **Part of IDs**: Q193463 and Q101333. - **Has Parts IDs**: Q1913277, Q1558058, and Q910483. - **Sitelink Count**: 40 across various language Wikipedias. - **Wikipedia Title**: Solid mechanics. ## FAQs ### What is solid mechanics? Solid mechanics is the branch of science dedicated to studying the behavior of solid materials, particularly how they deform and react to forces. ### What are the main subfields within solid mechanics? The field includes elasticity theory, which studies deformation and stress; plasticity theory, which describes plastic behavior; and viscoelasticity, which examines materials with both viscous and elastic characteristics. ### What broader disciplines is solid mechanics a part of? It is a component of continuum mechanics, mechanical engineering, mechanics, and materials science. ### Who are notable figures associated with solid mechanics? Li Minhua, a Chinese physicist, and Iosif Vorovich, a Russian mathematician, are individuals connected to this field. ### What are some alternative names for solid mechanics? It is also referred to as mechanics of solids. ## Why It Matters Solid mechanics is fundamental to understanding how solid materials behave under various forces and displacements. As a critical component of continuum mechanics and mechanical engineering, it provides the theoretical foundation for analyzing how objects deform and become internally stressed. This knowledge is essential for the design and analysis of structures and materials in engineering applications, ensuring safety and functionality. By encompassing theories like elasticity, plasticity, and viscoelasticity, the field allows for the prediction of material responses to different loading conditions, which is vital for innovation in construction, manufacturing, and materials science. ## Notable For - **Scope**: Studying the behavior of solid materials under force and displacement. - **Parentage**: Being a key part of continuum mechanics, mechanical engineering, mechanics, and materials science. - **Sub-disciplines**: Encompassing elasticity theory, plasticity theory, and viscoelasticity. - **Classification**: Being classified as an academic discipline and a branch of engineering. - **Identifiers**: Having a wide range of international identifiers, including GND, Dewey, LoC, and BNF codes. - **Global Presence**: Having a sitelink count of 40 across various language Wikipedias. ## Body ### Core Definition and Scope Solid mechanics is defined as the branch of science that studies the behavior of solid materials. It is also known by the alias "mechanics of solids." The field is classified as an academic discipline and a branch of engineering, serving as a metaclass for engineering as a science concerned with technical development and design. Its primary focus involves understanding how solid objects react to external forces and displacements. ### Parent Disciplines and Context This field is a part of several major scientific and engineering domains. It is a component of continuum mechanics, the branch of physics studying materials modeled as continuous media. It is also part of mechanical engineering, a discipline focused on technical development and design. Additionally, it falls under mechanics, the science concerned with physical bodies subjected to forces or displacements, and materials science, which involves the research, discovery, and design of physical materials, particularly solids. ### Subsidiary Fields and Theories Solid mechanics contains specific theoretical frameworks for analyzing material behavior. Elasticity theory is a mathematical study within the field that focuses on how solid objects deform and become internally stressed due to prescribed loading conditions. Plasticity theory is another component, used to describe the plastic behavior of materials. Viscoelasticity is also a key part of solid mechanics, studying the property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. ### Related Entities and Notable Figures The field is associated with various academic and professional entities. It is linked to the broader concept of an academic discipline as a field of study or profession. Notable individuals connected to solid mechanics include Li Minhua, a Chinese physicist, and Iosif Vorovich, a Russian mathematician who lived from 1920 to 2001. ### Classification and Identifiers Solid mechanics is cataloged under numerous international classification systems and identifiers. It is assigned the GND number 4129367-8 and the Dewey Decimal Classification number 531. The Library of Congress Classification number is 2982, and the BNF identifier is 03221986n. It also carries the NDL number 00565652, the FAST identifier 19958652, the NARA identifier 401707, and the B71 code. Other identifiers include 091308, 500666722, and 53995. In Wikidata, it is identified as an instance of Q137582043, Q112506851, Q12015335, and Q11862829, and is a subclass of Q41217 and Q228736. The entity has a sitelink count of 40 across various language Wikipedias, with the Wikipedia title "Solid mechanics." ## References 1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=49305) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Nuovo soggettario 4. BabelNet 5. Quora 6. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1297.02008?OpenDocument) 7. CC 6 8. KBpedia 9. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/australian-and-new-zealand-standard-research-classification-anzsrc/2020#data-downloads) 10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)