Zhigang Wei, Tenneco Inc.

Matthew Lear, Pennsylvania State University

Senthil Vel, University of Maine

Jiashi Yang, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Rakesh Kapania, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The mechanics of materials and structures forms the basis of many modern engineering applications. Understanding deformations, damage, fracture, and failure of materials and structures under various loading conditions and operating environments is critical to structural integrity, durability, reliability, and safety of engineering components and systems. The objectives of the symposium are: (1) provide a forum for researchers, scholars, students, and engineers worldwide to exchange ideas and information among various disciplines in mechanics of materials and structures, (2) highlight latest developments and emerging technologies, discuss challenges, identify opportunities for future development and applications, (3) build consensus, create roadmap, and promote collaborations among diverse and interdisciplinary groups to resolve some fundamental technical issues for critical anticipated future engineering applications.The symposium will also celebrate Prof. Romesh C. Batra’s 70th Birthday. Prof. Batra has dedicated more than four decades to scientific research, engineering education, and service to professional societies in many areas of the mechanics of materials and structures.

The symposium will focus on recent advances in research, development, and applications in mechanics of materials and structures. Papers for presentation in English are solicited from researchers affiliated with academic institutions, industries and government laboratories. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

•Theories of applied mechanics•Closed-form, approximate, asymptotic, perturbation, and other methods for analyzing structures

•Computational mechanics; finite-difference, finite element, meshless and other numerical methods

•Materials characterization and constitutive relations; composite, sandwich, and functionally gradient materials•Initiation, growth, coalescence, and pattern formation of damage (crack, void, and shear band) in solids, failure modes transition•Penetration and impact of structures under blast loads

•Wave propagation and vibration, vibration-noise-harshness (NVH) performance and assessment

•Structural theories; modeling and simulation of membrane, plates, shells, beams, rod; buckling, post-buckling•Smart structures/piezoelectricity

•Multiscale analysis and multi-physics problems; microelectromechanical systems; nanoscience and nano-mechanics; biomechanics

•Roles of the applied mechanics in product design, validation, and manufacturing

Keywords: material systems, solid and structures