Member

This book contains 37 papers contributed by former students, colleagues, and friends of Professor Chris Calladine, to mark his retirement. Professor Calladine's research ranged very widely across the fields of structural mechanics, with a particular focus on the plastic deformation of solids and structures and the behaviour of thin-shell structures, and molecular structures. A distinctive feature of his research has been a strong emphasis on rigorous formulations that provide both physical insights and accurate prediction of observed behaviour. This approach has led to major advances in many areas, and the papers included in this book give powerful illustrations going from the theory of structures (lightweight, adaptive, symmetric) to the design and analysis of shell structures, and the use of physical models in the study of DNA and bacterial flagella. This volume will be of particular interest to graduate students, researchers and engineers in structural, mechanical, and aerospace engineering, and also to researchers in molecular biology.

Review:

"The Collection of 37 papers is devoted to the retirement of Professor Chris Callandine, FRS. ? They can be related to the following topics: Structural Mechanics (19), Shell Structures (9) and Biological Structures (9). ? the topic is new and very innovative ? . It can be recommended to graduate students (having basic knowledge in Mathematics, Mechanics, and Material Science), researchers and engineers in structural, mechanical, aerospace engineering, and molecular biology." (Holm Altenbach, ZAMM, V85 (3), 2005)

"Throughout the book, there is something of a playful spirit at work...[which] make[s] subtle physical effects...intuitively comprehensible. We see DNA structures so often that it is often taken for granted that the molecule should not be anything but an aesthetically appealing, spiralling helix. But why should it assume such a nice structure? The book offers an absolutely delightful answer to this and other similarly mischievous questions. Understanding DNA is a great book that will surely prove to be a valuable teaching tool."
--The Biochemist

"Among the strengths [of the book] are the clarity of the explanations of some quite difficult concepts and the novel way in which certain ideas are treated, perhaps causing the reader to think again about certain aspects of DNA structure. I enjoyed reading this book and would encourage colleagues working in the general area of DNA research to read it."
--Heredity

"A systematic and comprehensive analysis of the structure of DNA from a wonderfully fresh perspective. The book is a systematic effort to understand this fascinating molecule from the inside out, building from the first, and simplest principles...I recommend it very highly."
--Trends in Genetics

"Sylish...beautifully crafted, with a logical step-by-step approach to the subject. A book from which the advanced undergraduate will benefit, and which will also generate a refreshing perspective for experts."
--Nature