The volume includes papers from the WSCMO conference in Braunschweig 2017 presenting research of all aspects of the optimal design of structures as well as multidisciplinary design optimization where the involved disciplines deal with the analysis of solids, fluids or other field problems. Also presented are practical applications of optimization methods and the corresponding software development in all branches of technology.

The book covers the theory of Michell structures being the lightest and fully stressed systems of bars, designed within a given domain, possibly within the whole space, transmitting a given load towards a given support. Discovered already in 1904 by A.G.M. Michell, the structures named after him have attracted constant attention due to their peculiar feature of disclosing the optimal streams of stresses equilibrating a given load and thus determining the optimal layout of bars. The optimal layouts emerge from among all possible structural topologies, thus constituting unique designs being simultaneously light and stiff. The optimal structures turn out to be embedded in optimal vector fields covering the whole feasible domain. Key features include: a variationally consistent theory of bar systems, thin plates in bending and membrane shells; recapitulation of the theory of optimum design of trusses of minimum weight or of minimal compliance; the basis of 2D Michell theory for a single load case; kinematic and static approaches; 2D benchmark constructions including Hemp’s structures and optimal cantilevers; L-shape domain problems, three forces problem in 2D, bridge problems; revisiting the old - and delivering new - 3D benchmark solutions; extension to multiple load conditions; Prager-Rozvany grillages; the theory of funiculars and archgrids; the methods of optimum design of shape and material inspired by the theory of Michell structures, industrial applications. The book can be useful for graduate students, professional engineers and researchers specializing in the Optimum Design and in Topology Optimization in general.

With its discussion of strategies for modeling complex materials using new numerical techniques, mainly those based on the finite element method, this monograph covers a range of topics including computational plasticity, multi-scale formulations, optimization and parameter identification, damage mechanics and nonlinear finite elements.

Composite materials are engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties and which remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure. Fibre Reinforced Polymers or FRPs include Wood comprising (cellulose fibers in a lignin and hemicellulose matrix), Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic or CFRP, Glass-fibre reinforced plastic or GFRP (also GRP). If classified by matrix then there are Thermoplastic Composites, short fiber thermoplastics, long fibre thermoplastics or long fibre reinforced thermoplastics There are numerous thermoset composites, but advanced systems usually incorporate aramid fibre and carbon fibre in an epoxy resin matrix. Composites can also utilise metal fibres reinforcing other metals, as in Metal matrix composites or MMC. Ceramic matrix composites include Bone (hydroxyapatite reinforced with collagen fibres), Cermet (ceramic and metal) and Concrete. Organic matrix/ceramic aggregate composites include Asphalt concrete, Mastic asphalt, Mastic roller hybrid, Dental composite, Syntactic foam and Mother of Pearl. Chobham armour is a special composite used in military applications. Engineered wood includes a wide variety of different products such as Plywood, Oriented strand board, Wood plastic composite (recycled wood fibre in polyethylene matrix), Pykrete (sawdust in ice matrix), Plastic-impregnated or laminated paper or textiles, Arborite, Formica (plastic) and Micarta. Composite materials have gained popularity (despite their generally high cost) in high-performance products such as aerospace components (tails, wings , fuselages, propellors), boat and scull hulls, and racing car bodies. More mundane uses include fishing rods and storage tanks. This new book presents the latest research from around the world.

Advances in Structural Optimization presents the techniques for a wide set of applications, ranging from the problems of size and shape optimization (historically the first to be studied) to topology and material optimization. Structural models are considered that use both discrete and finite elements. Structural materials can be classical or new. Emerging methods are also addressed, such as automatic differentiation, intelligent structures optimization, integration of structural optimization in concurrent engineering environments, and multidisciplinary optimization. For researchers and designers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, mechanical, civil, nuclear, naval and offshore. A reference book for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on structural optimization and optimum design.

Advanced Aerospace Materials is intended for engineers and students of aerospace, materials, and mechanical engineering. It covers the transition from aluminum to composite materials for aerospace structures and will include essential and advanced analyses used in today’s aerospace industries. Various aspects of design, failure and monitoring of structural components will be derived and presented accompanied by relevant formulas and analyses.

The book presents 81 papers referring to the properties and applications of technologically important materials. Topics covered include material characterization, environmental impact, probabilistic assessment, failure analysis, vibration analysis, AI-based predictions, conceptual models, thermo-mechanical properties, numerical models, design and simulation, industrial performance and failure analysis. Keywords: Laminated Sandwich Shell, Polymer Nanocomposite, Cellular Glass Foam, Porous Spherical Shells, Cracks Between Dissimilar Materials, Soil Stabilization, Dynamic Strain Aging, Composite Plates, Recycled Concrete Aggregates, Preparation & Characterization of Nanoparticles, Auxetic Materials, Biomechanical Model, Cellular Lightweight Concrete, Thermoplastic Materials, Powder Metal Gears, Fibre Reinforced Concrete, Adhesively Bonded Composites, Solar PV Power, Kirigami Folded Structures, Steel Fibres, Solar Panels, Electric Discharge Machining, Energy Harvesting, Energy Conversion, Glass/Epoxy Pipe, Manufacturing Strategy, Additive Manufacturing, Fibre-Reinforced Aluminum, Telescopic Paraboloidal Solar Concentrator, Energy Storage, Machining Waste Fibers, Numerical Simulation, Foam Concrete, Heat Exchangers, Nanofluids, Spherical Cavity Explosion, Cross-Ply Structure, Reinforced Concrete Walls, Artificial Intelligence, l-shaped Metamaterials, Sand-Bentonite Liners, Layered Composite Arches, Stitched Sandwich Structures, Semilinear Hyperelastic Solids, Filament Fabrication, Polyethylene Bottles, Spherical Shells, Steel Boiler Tub, Mortars, 3D Printing, Electromagnetic Forming.

This book pursues optimal design from the perspective of mechanical properties and resistance to failure caused by cracks and fatigue. The book abandons the scale separation hypothesis and takes up phase-field modeling, which is at the cutting edge of research and is of high industrial and practical relevance. Part 1 starts by testing the limits of the homogenization-based approach when the size of the representative volume element is non-negligible compared to the structure. The book then introduces a non-local homogenization scheme to take into account the strain gradient effects. Using a phase field method, Part 2 offers three significant contributions concerning optimal placement of the inclusion phases. Respectively, these contributions take into account fractures in quasi-brittle materials, interface cracks and periodic composites. The topology optimization proposed has significantly increased the fracture resistance of the composites studied.

This book gathers papers presented at the International Joint Conference on Mechanics, Design Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (JCM 2016), held on 14-16 September, 2016, in Catania, Italy. It reports on cutting-edge topics in product design and manufacturing, such as industrial methods for integrated product and process design; innovative design; and computer-aided design. Further topics covered include virtual simulation and reverse engineering; additive manufacturing; product manufacturing; engineering methods in medicine and education; representation techniques; and nautical, aeronautics and aerospace design and modeling. The book is divided into eight main sections, reflecting the focus and primary themes of the conference. The contributions presented here will not only provide researchers, engineers and experts in a range of industrial engineering subfields with extensive information to support their daily work; they are also intended to stimulate new research directions, advanced applications of the methods discussed, and future interdisciplinary collaborations.