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While I searched for the 4th ed., I could not find it on Amazon, so I am attaching this review to the 5th. This review is written specifically regarding the 4th. edition of this text, so I am hoping that some of these deficiencies have been corrected in the newer editions of the book. I do not expect any major differences between 5th and 4th, which is why I justify placing this review here.
I used this book when I was a student (about 8 years ago) and I've kept it as a reference text. I use it in my profession fairly often, where I must occassionally consider load on a structure in the process of solving a failure or a defect mechanism. Inevitably I must turn to finite element analysis, but I turn to this book for back of the envelope calculations.
Ironically, I have delved into this book most during the construction of my garage. As I was building it, I referred to this book to calculate maximum deflection of Hem-Fir 2x10's spanning the ceiling (and attic floor) of my garage. I wanted to ensure that I had accounted for strength and adequate handling of any load I may introduce when storing items in the attic. I was irritated to find that I had to search all over the book for the simplest of load calculations, such as a single point central load on a beam wtih a rectangular cross section fixed at both ends. Most examples have a supported end and a fixed end. I then wanted to find an example of a simple beam deflection calculation with a reinforced center section (such as when two joists are sistered against one another). I also could not find examples of beams coupled, such as when one adds perpendicular blocking sections between floor joists to distribute load and add reinforcement.
At other times I have been irritated by similar issues. Everyday objects tend to have simple, symmetric geometries, such as a beam fixed and both ends with a single point central load, or a hollow pipe with fixed ends with a distributed load over its center, or a tube capped at both ends with a static internal pressure. Looking to this book as a reference, I am hoping for loads on basic geometries outlined as an example, though I rarely find them and I turn to the web instead (which is usually equally disappointing).
The book also lacks information about composite materials where the modulus may vary as a function of thickness or length. A few examples of the simplest geometries would have been helpful. Perhaps this has been addressed in later additions, but materials are advancing and I hope that the textbooks are keeping up.
After writing this review, it is my intention to identify and purchase a better reference text for my purposes.
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Hibbeler is probably the most reliable author when it comes to Mechanics of Materials. A must have for Mechancial, Environmental, Civil and Materials Engineers. Explains everything in the easiest and most practical matter, without skipping anything of value.
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Simple, concise, great examples, great illustrations, great problems. The style is: present a topic briefly, derive equation(s) quickly, show 3-4 examples of using said equation(s), give a couple dozen problems, and move right on to the next topic. Thanks Mr. Hibbeler, for making engineering students' lives just a bit easier.
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I was a pre-engineering student in Seattle. This book have plenty of examples in which I can follow step by step. The homework problems are useful, practical and innovative in this book. It help us to visualize the practical problems outside the school. Thus, this is very helpful for the engineering students, especially Civil and structral, to build up the fundamental concept of materials.
Nevertheless, this class is not easy. It is hard to undersatnd the concept of Materials for the beginner. It is very helpful for students to have peer group or ask for your professor to have further explanations or examples.
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This is a good book on a very difficult subject. It was the text book for one of my harder engineering classes. The book does a pretty decent job of explaining theroies, and the worked example problems are done pretty good. My only complaint is that the worked examples are quite easy compared to the homework problems. Homework problems require lots of time, thinking, and MORE time. Overall i thought the material was pretty interesting. Good Luck
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