The proceedings discuss the nonequilibrium and nonlinear dynamics in nuclear and other finite systems. The problems discussed cover different levels of the structure of matter, such as quarks, hadrons and nuclei, and outline different issues in the physics of elementary matter: cold valleys and fusion of superheavy nuclei - hypernuclei - antinuclei - correlation in the vacuum. The aim of the discussions is to probe some fundamentals of modern physics, for example, the coexistence of macroscopic and microscopic effects in association with various phase transitions, and the mutual relation between classical and quantum effects related with macro-level and micro-level variables. It will also be an invaluable reference work for the dynamics of evolution of matter and dynamic relations between different levels of nature.

World events in recent years have led observers, particularly since late 2013, to conclude that the international security environment in recent years has undergone a shift from the post-Cold War era that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, also sometimes known as the unipolar moment (with the United States as the unipolar power), to a new and different situation that features, among other things, renewed great power competition with China and Russia and challenges by these two countries and others to elements of the U.S.-led international order that has operated since World War II. The shift to renewed great power competition has become a major factor in the debate over future U.S. defense spending levels, and has led to new or renewed emphasis on the following in discussions of U.S. defense strategy, plans, and programs: * grand strategy and geopolitics as part of the context for discussing U.S. defense budgets, plans, and programs; * nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence;* new U.S. military service operational concepts;* U.S. and NATO military capabilities in Europe;* capabilities for conducting so-called high-end conventional warfare (i.e., largescale, high-intensity, technologically sophisticated warfare) against countries such as China and Russia; * maintaining U.S. technological superiority in conventional weapons;* speed of weapon system development and deployment as a measure of merit in defense acquisition policy;* mobilization capabilities for an extended-length large-scale conflict against an adversary such as China or Russia;* minimizing reliance in U.S. military systems on components and materials from Russia and China; and* capabilities for countering so-called hybrid warfare and gray-zone tactics employed by countries such as Russia and China.

This monograph considers engineering systems with random parame ters. Its context, format, and timing are correlated with the intention of accelerating the evolution of the challenging field of Stochastic Finite Elements. The random system parameters are modeled as second order stochastic processes defined by their mean and covari ance functions. Relying on the spectral properties of the covariance function, the Karhunen-Loeve expansion is used' to represent these processes in terms of a countable set of un correlated random vari ables. Thus, the problem is cast in a finite dimensional setting. Then, various spectral approximations for the stochastic response of the system are obtained based on different criteria. Implementing the concept of Generalized Inverse as defined by the Neumann Ex pansion, leads to an explicit expression for the response process as a multivariate polynomial functional of a set of un correlated random variables. Alternatively, the solution process is treated as an element in the Hilbert space of random functions, in which a spectral repre sentation in terms of the Polynomial Chaoses is identified. In this context, the solution process is approximated by its projection onto a finite subspace spanned by these polynomials.

The ever-increasing need for higher efficiency, smaller size, and lower cost make the analysis, understanding, and design of energy conversion systems extremely important, interesting, and even imperative. One of the most neglected features in the study of such systems is the effect of the inherent nonlinearities on the stability of the system. Due to these nonlinearities, these devices may exhibit undesirable and complex dynamics, which are the focus of many researchers. Even though a lot of research has taken place in this area during the last 20 years, it is still an active research topic for mainstream power engineers. This research has demonstrated that these systems can become unstable with a direct result in increased losses, extra subharmonics, and even uncontrollability/unobservability. The detailed study of these systems can help in the design of smaller, lighter, and less expensive converters that are particularly important in emerging areas of research like electric vehicles, smart grids, renewable energy sources, and others. The aim of this Special Issue is to cover control and nonlinear aspects of instabilities in different energy conversion systems: theoretical, analysis modelling, and practical solutions for such emerging applications. In this Special Issue, we present novel research works in different areas of the control and nonlinear dynamics of energy conversion systems.

Over a period of several years the field of probabilistic mechanics and com putational mechanics have progressed vigorously, but independently. With the advent of powerful computational hardware and the development of novel mechanical techniques, the field of stochastic mechanics has progressed in such a manner that the inherent uncertainty of quite complicated systems can be addressed. The first International Conference on Computational Stochastic Mechanics was convened in Corfu in September 1991 in an ef fort to provide a forum for the exchanging of ideas on the current status of computational methods as applied to stochastic mechanics and for identi fying needs for further research. The Conference covered both theoretical techniques and practical applications. The Conference also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Masanobu Shinozuka, the Sollenberger Professor of Civil Engineering at Princeton University, whose work has contributed in such a great measure to the development of Computational Stochastic Mechanics. A brief sum mary of his career and achievements are given in the Dedication. This book comprises some of the papers presented at the meeting and cov ers sections on Theoretical Reliability Analysis; Damage Analysis; Applied Reliability Analysis; Theoretical Random Vibrations; Stochastic Finite Ele ment Concept; Fatigue and Fracture; Monte Carlo Simulations; Earthquake Engineering Applications; Materials; Applied Random Vibrations; Applied Stochastic Finite Element Analysis, and Flow Related Applications and Chaotic Dynamics. The Editors hope that the book will be a valuable contribution to the grow ing literature covering the field of Computational Stochastic Mechanics.

This book gathers papers presented during the 4th International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Control Applications. It covers new control system models, troubleshooting tips and complex system requirements, such as increased speed, precision and remote capabilities. Additionally, the papers discuss not only the engineering aspects of signal processing and various practical issues in the broad field of information transmission, but also novel technologies for communication networks and modern antenna design. This book is intended for researchers, engineers and advanced postgraduate students in the fields of control and electrical engineering, computer science and signal processing, as well as mechanical and chemical engineering.

This book highlights the latest findings on nonlinear dynamical systems including two types of attractors: self-excited and hidden attractors. Further, it presents both theoretical and practical approaches to investigating nonlinear dynamical systems with self-excited and hidden attractors. The book includes 20 chapters contributed by respected experts, which focus on various applications such as biological systems, memristor-based systems, fractional-order systems, finance systems, business cycles, oscillators, coupled systems, hyperchaotic systems, flexible robot manipulators, electronic circuits, and control models. Special attention is given to modeling, design, circuit realization, and practical applications to address recent research problems in nonlinear dynamical systems. The book provides a valuable reference guide to nonlinear dynamical systems for engineers, researchers, and graduate students, especially those whose work involves mechanics, electrical engineering, and control systems.