Comprehensively introduces linear and nonlinear structural analysis through mesh generation, solid mechanics and a new numerical methodology called c-type finite element method * Takes a self-contained approach of including all the essential background materials such as differential geometry, mesh generation, tensor analysis with particular elaboration on rotation tensor, finite element methodology and numerical analysis for a thorough understanding of the topics * Presents for the first time in closed form the geometric stiffness, the mass, the gyroscopic damping and the centrifugal stiffness matrices for beams, plates and shells * Includes numerous examples and exercises * Presents solutions for locking problems