A brief review of simplistic and linear models used to characterize the mechanical response of materials is presented. This is followed by a description of models that characterize the nonlinear response of solids and fluids from first principles. Emphasis is given to popular models that characterize the nonlinear response of materials.

The book also presents case studies of materials, where a comprehensive discussion of material characterization, experimental techniques and constitutive model development, is presented. Common principles that govern material response of both solids and fluids within a unified framework are outlined. Mechanical response in the presence of non-mechanical fields such as thermal and electrical fields applied to special materials such as shape memory materials and piezoelectric materials is also explained within the same framework.