A branch of applied mechanics that deals with the behavior of solid bodies subjected to various types of loading. The major concepts covered by structural mechanics include the fundamental ones, such as stresses, strains, material laws, and equations of equilibrium, and the more advanced ones, such as energy principles, elasticity, dynamics, stability, and load-carrying capacities. These concepts underlie the design and analysis of a huge variety of mechanical and structural systems and components. A good knowledge of structural mechanics is essential for engineers, typically in the professions of civil, mechanical, aeronautical, and aerospace engineering, whose major duty is to design structures or solid components.