This work comprises papers based on some of the talks presented at the IUTAM Symposium of the same name, held in Cape Town, January 14-18, 2008. This volume treats cutting-edge issues in modelling, the behaviour of various classes of inelastic media, and associated algorithms for carrying out computational simulations. A key feature of the contributions are works directed at modelling behaviour at the meso and micro-scales, and at bridging the micro-macro scales.

Dynamic Failure of Materials and Structures discusses the topic of dynamic loadings and their effect on material and structural failure. Since dynamic loading problems are very difficult as compared to their static counterpart, very little information is currently available about dynamic behavior of materials and structures. Topics covered include the response of both metallic as well as polymeric composite materials to blast loading and shock loadings, impact loadings and failure of novel materials under more controlled dynamic loads. These include response of soft materials that are important in practical use but have very limited information available on their dynamic response. Dynamic fragmentation, which has re-emerged in recent years has also been included. Both experimental as well as numerical aspects of material and structural response to dynamic loads are discussed. Written by several key experts in the field, Dynamic Failure of Materials and Structures will appeal to graduate students and researchers studying dynamic loadings within mechanical and civil engineering, as well as in physics and materials science.

Materials, Design and Manufacturing for Lightweight Vehicles, Second Edition, features the requirements for processing each material type, explains the manufacture of different categories of components, and analyzes different component joining techniques. The properties of all materials, metals, polymers and composites currently used are included along with how each one influences structural design. The new edition also contains refinements to manufacturing processes in particular hot stamping of boron steel and aluminum alloy, and new chapters on designing lightweight automotive structures & lightweight materials for powertrains and electric vehicles. With its distinguished editor and renowned team of contributors, this is a standard reference for practicing engineers involved in the design and material selection for motor vehicle bodies and components as well as material scientists, environmental scientists, policy makers, car companies and automotive component manufacturers. - Fully updated including emphasis on optimized production methods for steels, aluminum alloys, polymers and polymer composite - Covers aspects related to the production of environmentally acceptable leading-edge automobiles - Explores the manufacturing process for light alloys including metal forming processes for automotive applications as well as new developments in steel technology that are making advanced high strength steels more attractive for lightweight vehicles