mécannique

Mechanics, or mécanique in French, is a branch of physics and engineering that studies the motion of bodies and the forces that produce or resist that motion. It encompasses how objects move (kinematics), why they move (dynamics), and how forces and energy interact with matter. The subject is traditionally divided into statics, which analyzes systems in equilibrium, and dynamics, which treats motion over time. It also includes the behavior of deformable media in continuum mechanics.

Classical mechanics deals with macroscopic objects and is built on laws such as those formulated by Newton; continuum mechanics extends these ideas to solids and fluids treated as continuous media. Applied mechanics uses mathematical models to predict the response of structures and machines to loads, while subfields such as solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermomechanics address specific phenomena. Tribology studies friction and wear; biomechanics applies mechanical principles to living systems; mechatronics combines mechanics with electronics and control.

Historically, mechanics has roots in ancient studies of machines and forces, but it was transformed in the Scientific Revolution by Galileo, Newton, and subsequent developments in calculus and differential equations. Its methods underpin modern engineering disciplines and a wide range of natural phenomena are described by mechanical theories from rigid-body motion to continuum mechanics.

Practice relies on analytical methods, experimental testing, and numerical simulation, including finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. Applications span vehicle design, aerospace, civil engineering, robotics, energy systems, manufacturing, and beyond. The term mécanique/mechanics is foundational across technical fields and is taught as a core subject in physics and engineering curricula.