## Topics in Computational Mechanics: Part 2

In continuum mechanics, we view the body—the structure (solid or fluid) that is of our interest—as a continuous region that lives in the three-dimensional space $\mathbb{R}^{3}$.

The word continuous means, we assume the body to be made up of infinitely many, infinitely small points, with no space in-between (like the cloud of paint seen above), rather than discrete, finitely small atoms, with an atomistic space in-between.

The space $\mathbb{R}^{3}$ is special in many ways (mathematically, that is), and allows us to set up and solve problems in mechanics in a rigorous manner. To keep things interesting and concise, we will replace some definitions with layman, more intuitive explanations.

## Topics in Computational Mechanics: Part 1

Over the next few posts, I will share the writings and programs that I had created for a class in computational structural analysis—how we efficiently analyze a structure using numerical methods. The field is a subset of computational mechanics, which combines the disciplines of mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

The class consisted of juniors and seniors in mechanical or aerospace engineering. In other words, for brevity, I will assume that you have some familiarity with statics, linear algebra, and calculus. If time permits in future, I will upload my class notes to fill gaps and share more drawings.