Computational methods play a key role in solid mechanics, as a way of modeling fundamental aspects of mechanical behavior, as a vehicle for transferring this improved modeling capability into new engineering tools, and as a means of utilizing these tools in engineering practice. Modern computational methods enable realistic models of mechanical systems to be formulated without regard as to whether or not analytical solutions are feasible. Increased computational capability is also an incentive for developing more accurate theories, since it becomes possible to use such theories to solve complex engineering problems.
