Importance of Introduction of the Tensor Approach into Standard Mechanics of Materials Course

Abstract

In the universities, research activity of the students should be a part of an educational process. The achievement of this educational goal is directly related not only to the clear understanding of leading engineering disciplines but also to the development of professional skills of transforming real-world engineering problems into adequate mathematical statements with further analyses. Mechanics of Materials is a traditional core discipline for most engineering studies, and each year it gains additional significance due to its applications in biology, medicine and geophysics. To this end, the paper shows the importance of introduction of the tensor approach into standard Mechanics of Materials course. It is outlined that, for research-oriented engineering students, the tensor approach forms most adequate bases for further career.