There are numerous technological materials - such as metals, polymers, ceramics, concrete, and many others - that vary in properties and serviceability. However, the almost universal common theme to most real materials is that their properties depend on the scale at which the analysis or observation takes place and at each scale "probabilities" play an important role. Here the word "probabilities" is used in a wider than the classical sense. In order to increase the efficiency and serviceability of these materials, researchers from NATO, CP and other countries were brought together to exchange knowledge and develop avenues for progress and applications in the st 21 century. The workshop began by reviewing progress in the subject area over the past few years and by identifying key questions that remain open. One point was how to observe/measure material properties at different scales and whether a probabilistic approach, at each scale, was always applicable and advantageous. The wide range of materials, from wood to advanced metals and from concrete to complex advanced composites, and the diversity of applications, e.g. fatigue, fracture, deformation, etc., were recognized as "obstacles" in identifying a "universal" approach.

Geomechanics from Micro to Macro contains 268 papers presented at the International Symposium on Geomechanics from Micro and Macro (IS-Cambridge, UK, 1-3 September 2014). The symposium created a forum for the dissemination of new advances in the micro-macro relations of geomaterial behaviour and its modelling. The papers on experimental investigati

This book describes the main methods used in the reliability of structures and their use in the design process leading to reliable products. This title provides the understanding needed to implement the variety of new reliability software programs.

Mechanical properties of composite materials can be improved by tailoring their microstructures. Optimal microstructures of composites, which ensure desired properties of composite materials, can be determined in computational experiments. The subject of this book is the computational analysis of interrelations between mechanical properties (e.g., strength, damage resistance stiffness) and microstructures of composites. The methods of mesomechanics of composites are reviewed, and applied to the modelling of the mechanical behaviour of different groups of composites. Individual chapters are devoted to the computational analysis of the microstructure- mechanical properties relationships of particle reinforced composites, functionally graded and particle clusters reinforced composites, interpenetrating phase and unidirectional fiber reinforced composites, and machining tools materials.

This book on the Nondestructive Characterization and Imaging of Wood by Professor Voichita Bucur is truly the most outstanding reference on the subject ever written. Since the origins of mankind, wood has played a key role in the history of humans and other living creatures, ranging from provision of life from trees giving air, heat, light, and food to nourish their bodies to structures to protect them from the elements. Wood has also played a key role in one of the world's primary religions. Nondestructive diagnostics methods have long found application in medi cal practice for examination of the human body in order to detect life threatening abnormalities and permit diagnosis to extend life. Nondestructive testing has been used for many years to insure the safety of machinery, air craft, railroads, tunnels, buildings and many other structures. Therefore, it is timely for a treatise, like the present one, to be written describing how wood can be characterized without employing destructive test methods. Since wood is so valuable to mankind, it is important to know the latest methods to nondestructively characterize wood for all practical applications.

Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale (Fracture and Structural Integrity) is the official Journal of the Italian Group of Fracture (ISSN 1971-8993). It is an open-access Journal published on-line every three months (July, October, January, April). Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale encompasses the broad topic of structural integrity, which is based on the mechanics of fatigue and fracture, and is concerned with the reliability and effectiveness of structural components. The aim of the Journal is to promote works and researches on fracture phenomena, as well as the development of new materials and new standards for structural integrity assessment. The Journal is interdisciplinary and accepts contributions from engineers, metallurgists, materials scientists, physicists, chemists, and mathematicians.

This introductory yet comprehensive book presents the fundamental concepts on the analysis and design of tribological systems. It is a unique blend of scientific principles, mathematical formulations and engineering practice. The text discusses properties and measurements of engineering surfaces, surface contact geometry and contact stresses. Besides, it deals with adhesion, friction, wear, lubrication and related interfacial pheno-mena. It also highlights recent developments like nanotribology and fractal analysis with great clarity. The book is intended as a text for senior under-graduate and postgraduate students of mechanical engineering, production/industrial engineering, metallurgy and material science. It can also serve as a reference for practising engineers and designers.