Lei and I will be working on developing the appropriate relations and numerical methods for topological optimization of  2D ideal structures.  In this constraint-based optimization study we will try to determine the density distribution which minimizes the strain energy for a fixed volume of material.  This problem is a subset of the so-called "G-closure" problem in topological optimization where we have restricted our possible configurations to certain ideal geometries.   

There are a few helpful reviews of this book on amazon.  Here is the link to that page: 
Elasticity-Tensor-Dyadic-Engineering-Approaches
http://www.amazon.com/Elasticity-Tensor-Dyadic-Engineering-Approaches/dp...
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This entry is meant to summarize my personal information, and the reasons why I am taking this class.  Here are my responses to the bulleted topics:

 - I have taken three courses relating to solid mechanics prior to ES 240.  These were undergraduate classes taken at the Univ. of Delaware and they include:  (1)  Mechanics of Solids, (2) Material Science and Engineering,  (3) Design of Machinery

- My undergraduate major was Mechanical Engineering