Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials

Citation

(2000), "Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials", Kybernetes, Vol. 29 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/k.2000.06729cac.004

Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials

SMART STRUCTURES 2000

Conference announcement and call for papers

Computational Methods for Smart Structures and Materials19-21 June 2000 - Madrid, Spain

Objectives

Conventional design procedures for engineering structures of all types consist, in general, of trying to satisfy certain performance requirements under a set of prescribed loading conditions. Traditional structures, however, cannot modify their response mechanisms, and are thus unable to perform successfully when subjected to load conditions which are different than the ones they were designed for or when some of their subsystems or components fail. These deficiencies have generated interest in developing a new class of smart methods and structures.

A smart structure is defined as one which has the ability to determine its present state, decide in a rational manner on a set of actions that would change its state to a more desirable state, and carry out these actions in a controlled manner and in a short period of time. Such structures can theoretically accommodate unpredictable environmental changes, meet exacting performance requirements over a wide range of operating conditions, and compensate for failure of minor system components. In addition, they may, eventually, be able to offer more efficient solutions for a wide range of applications, from both technical and financial points of view.

The conference addresses a wide range of engineering disciplines involved with the design of smart materials and structures, including civil, mechanical, aerospace, ocean and biomedical engineers, as well as the microstructures and acoustics communities. The exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas within such a group will be an important step for progress in this highly multi-disciplinary field.

For more information contact: Susan Hanley, Conference Secretariat, SMART 2000, Wessex Institute of Technology, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7AA, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1238 029 3223; Fax +44 (0) 1238 029 2853; e-mail: shanley@wessex.ac.uk See also the Website: www.wessex.ac.uk