Research Directions in Computational and Composite Mechanics (2007)

Research Directions in Computational And Composite Mechanics (2007) discusses two aspects of the engineering science of mechanics that have a profound impact on American Competitiveness, and addresses issues raised in the National Academy of Sciences report Rising Above the Gathering Storm (2007). The United States has played a leading role in the development of computational mechanics and mechanics of composite materials. It is clear that the futures of these two disciplines of mechanics are very bright as they both will have a profound impact on many facets of our life, including advances in biology, medicine, energy conservation and development, and national security. It is also clear that the United States is not the only country working in these advanced fields of engineering science. There are very strong initiatives and commitments to these fields in Europe and Asia. A concentrated effort by the United States is necessary if we are to maintain our competitiveness.

The authors of Part I: Computational Mechanics are: Ted Belytschko (Northwestern), Thomas J. R. Hughes (Texas), and Neelesh Patankar (Northwestern). The authors of Part II: Mechanics of Composite Materials are: Carl T. Herakovich (Virginia) & Charles E. Bakis (Penn State). The report was reviewed by J. Fish, M.W. Hyer, and J.T. Oden. The full report is available as a PDF file.