The volume includes a set of selected papers extended and revised from the 2011 International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Technology, held on London, UK, November 24-25, 2011. Mechanical engineering technology is the application of physical principles and current technological developments to the creation of useful machinery and operation design. Technologies such as solid models may be used as the basis for finite element analysis (FEA) and / or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of the design. Through the application of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), the models may also be used directly by software to create "instructions" for the manufacture of objects represented by the models, through computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining or other automated processes, without the need for intermediate drawings. This volume covers the subject areas of mechanical engineering and technology, and also covers interdisciplinary subject areas of computers, communications, control and automation. We hope that researchers, graduate students and other interested readers benefit scientifically from the book and also find it stimulating in the process.

Mechanical engineering is critical to the design, manufacture, and operation of small and large mechanical systems throughout the U.S. economy. This book highlights the main findings of a benchmarking exercise to rate the standing of U.S. mechanical engineering basic research relative to other regions or countries. The book includes key factors that influence U.S. performance in mechanical engineering research, and near- and longer-term projections of research leadership. U.S. leadership in mechanical engineering basic research overall will continue to be strong. Contributions of U.S. mechanical engineers to journal articles will increase, but so will the contributions from other growing economies such as China and India. At the same time, the supply of U.S. mechanical engineers is in jeopardy, because of declines in the number of U.S. citizens obtaining advanced degrees and uncertain prospects for continuing to attract foreign students. U.S. funding of mechanical engineering basic research and infrastructure will remain level, with strong leadership in emerging areas.

A logical, integrated and comprehensive coverage of both introductory and advanced topics in soil mechanics in an easy-to-understand style. Emphasis is placed on presenting fundamental behaviour before more advanced topics are introduced. The use of S.I. units throughout, and frequent references to current international codes of practice and refereed research papers, make the contents universally applicable. Written with the university student in mind and packed full of pedagogical features, this book provides an integrated and comprehensive coverage of both introductory and advanced topics in soil mechanics. It includes: worked examples to elucidate the technical content and facilitate self-learning a convenient structure (the book is divided into sections), enabling it to be used throughout second, third and fourth year undergraduate courses universally applicable contents through the use of SI units throughout, frequent references to current international codes of practice and refereed research papers new and advanced topics that extend beyond those in standard undergraduate courses. The perfect textbook for a range of courses on soils mechanics and also a very valuable resource for practising professional engineers.