Mechanics of Solids

Carl Ross gained his first degree in Naval Architecture, from King’s College, Durham University; his PhD in Structural Engineering from the Victoria University of Manchester; and was awarded his DSc in Ocean Engineering from the CNAA, London. His research in the field of engineering led to advances in the design of submarine pressure hulls. His publications and guest lectures to date exceed some 290 papers and books, etc., and he was Professor of Structural Dynamics at the University of Portsmouth, UK.

John Bird is the former Head of Applied Electronics in the Faculty of Technology at Highbury College, Portsmouth, UK. More recently, he has combined freelance lecturing and examining. He is the author of over 125 textbooks on engineering and mathematical subjects with worldwide sales of one million copies. He is currently lecturing at the Defence School of Marine Engineering in the Defence College of Technical Training at H.M.S. Sultan, Gosport, Hampshire, UK.

Andrew Little worked for several years as a Stress Engineer for Rolls-Royce and then companies such as Ferranti Computer Systems where his specialism was the design of equipment for high stress and vibration environments. He came to the University of Portsmouth where he became involved with pressure vessel research and completed his PhD whilst lecturing full-time. He is a chartered engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering Designers and has published 75 academic papers.