useful, 22 Jun 2004
This is the best book for learning how finite elements work for engineering static stress analysis. Once you have studied this book (and the solutions manual which can be obtained from Wiley) you are ready to move to Cook's other (bigger and wider in coverage) book, then to those from the famous guys (Zienkiewicz, Hughes etc...).
AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR MECHANICAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERS, 20 Oct 2002
This book is definitely one that you want on your bookshelf. It is essential if you are constantly calculating engineering stresses and strains from anything such as micro medical equipment to macro civil structures. Its a must for engineers working with fea codes as a backup to check themnselves manually.
I think that this book along with Machinery's Handbook will cover basicly everything any mechanical engineer could wish for in terms of calculations formulas.
The 7th edition is very well laid out, with all tables at the end of the relevant chapters, therefore no longer cluttering the free flow of the text.
Indispensible reference students and practising engineers., 07 Oct 2000
This reference I would recommend to anyone studying a mechanical engineering degree, or working in any engineering field.
Including straight-forward background explanations of basic terms and concepts, the book is well laid out, giving both quick look-up information and more in-depth descriptions of relevant aspects.
The formulae are tabulated, with explanations of all terms used, and the book gives comprehensive coverage of all but the most exceptional cases. All necessary boundary conditions, constants and dependant variables are given.
Clear and extensive references are given with each chapter for the reader with specific interest.
Relevant, useful appendices are included for aspects such as material properties, meaning less time spent sifting through other reference material.
Well cross referenced, and understandably written, I can recommend it personally as an investment for any undergraduate, and a must for professional mechanical engineers. Having struggled for too many years with a lack of access to it, I am off to buy it now!
Other texts you might find useful:
Petersens Stress concentration factors - similar style layout, and necessary for anyone using Roark for detailed stress concentration / fatigue calculations.
Gieck's Technical Formulae - a really quick look up book, dinky (pocket sized altough depends on the size of your coat) The absolute basics through to more complex subject material succinctly put.
Bit of a classic, innit., 31 Aug 1999
Young and Roark's precious formulae are invaluable to engineering students and professionals. One of the few books you will use through college and in the office too (until you leave engineering and get a proper job, of course). The previous editions had a material properties section which was very useful, but this was dropped for the green edition. Well worth the money.
A must for loading, stress analysis, pressure vessels, etc., 20 Mar 1999
A whole lot more information than you could ever use. Use this book and determine EXACTLY what your design is experiencing.
Excellent no nonsense book for engineers, 28 Jun 2001
This is an excellent book about metal fatigue seen from an engineers perspective. If you want a no nonsense presentation which moves straight on to how you should solve your problem - then this is the book for you.
The balance between words and equations is perfect with no excessive use of equations you don't need in the end. Furthermore, the reference to other sources of text shows that the book is up to date.
