Advances in Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Methods for Materials and Structures

This volume is dedicated to Jacob Aboudi, a ?ne scientist who has made seminal c- tributions in applied mechanics. The papers presented here re?ect the appreciation of many of Jacob's colleagues. A publication list f- lowing this introduction provides an indi- tion of his distinguished academic career, c- rently in its ?fth decade, and the breadth of hisknowledge. His papersconsistentlydem- strate originality, innovation and diligence. This list uncovers the methodical work of a dedicated researcher whose achievements established him as a leading authority in the area of mathematical modeling of the beh- ior of heterogeneous materials, the area which became known as homogenization theory. Starting in 1981, Jacob established a micromechanical model known as the Method of Cells (MOC) which evolved into the Generalized Method of Cells (GMC) that predicts the macroscopic response of composite materials as a function of the pr- erties, volume fractions, shapes, and constitutive behavior of its constituents. The versatility of the model has been demonstrated to effectively incorporate various types of constituent material behavior (i. e., both coupled and uncoupled mecha- cal, thermal, electrical and magnetic effects). As a result of its potential in providing an ef?cient tool for the emerging ?eld of multiscale analysis, the method gained increasing attention and became a subject for further research.

This work presents a collection of papers, written by leading authors in honor of Professor Jacob Aboudi.

Jacob Aboudi served as Head of the Department of Solid Mechanics, Materials and Structures, as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and as Incumbent of the Diane and Arthur Belfer Chair of Mechanics and Biomechanics at Tel Aviv University. Aboudi has published more than 200 papers, 2 books and is a leading authority in the field of composite materials.

The papers in this volume cover a wide spectrum of topics in the forefront of research in experimental methods and mathematical modeling of materials and structures. Subjects treated include developments in materials science, theoretical and applied mechanics, applied mathematics, applied physics, computational methods in engineering, mechanical and civil engineering. Both theoretical and experimental approaches are presented. As this book reflects the state of the art, possible engineering applications and future research directions are suggested.