This review volume takes an indepth look at the current research done in this important area of solid state science. Although the emphasis is on modelling the properties of definite materials, perfect crystal lattices are also considered in some detail. It is noteworthy that the review articles are written by some of the best known experts in the field.

It is widely recognized that an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of clusters will give a great deal of important information relevant to surface and bulk properties of condensed matter. This relevance of clusters for condensed matter is one of the major motivations for the study of atomic and molecular clusters. The changes of properties with cluster size, from small clusters containing only a few atoms to large clusters containing tens of thousands of atoms, provides a unique way to understand and to control the development of bulk properties as separated units are brought together to form an extended system. Another important use of clusters is as theoretical models of surfaces and bulk materials. The electronic wavefunctions for these cluster models have special advantages for understanding, in particular, the local properties of condensed matter. The cluster wavefunctions, obtained with molecular orbital theory, make it possible to relate chemical concepts developed to describe chemical bonds in molecules to the very closely related chemical bonding at the surface and in the bulk of condensed matter. The applications of clusters to phenomena in condensed matter is a cross-disciplinary activity which requires the interaction and collaboration of researchers in traditionally separate areas. For example, it is necessary to bring together workers whose background and expertise is molecular chemistry with those whose background is solid state physics. It is also necessary to bring together experimentalists and theoreticians.

Transit Development in Rock Mechanics Recognition, Thinking and Innovation contains 150 papers presented at the 3rd ISRM International Young Scholars Symposium on Rock Mechanics (8-10 November 2014, Xi an, China). The volume focusses on the transitional development in rock mechanics research from surface to underground mining and from shallow to a

Due to their unique properties, rubber materials are found in multiple engineering applications such as tires, engine mounts, shock absorbers, flexible joints, seals, etc. Nevertheless, the complex nature of the behavior of such material makes it difficult to accurately model and predict the performance of these units. The challenge to correctly reproduce the observed characteristics of rubber elements necessitates detailed experimental investigations, development of accurate constitutive models, validation of techniques to identify material parameters and efficient numerical methods. Aspects regarding fatigue and damage in elastomers are not to be left aside, as they influence the durability of the products. State-of-the-art technology in terms of constitutive modeling, numerical implementation, damage and fatigue resistance are strongly represented in these Proceedings, along with insights into advanced elastomers to be used in novel applications. Topics included in this volume are: Ageing, Friction and abrasion, Adhesion, Swelling, Continuum mechanical models and numerical implementation, Hyperelasticity, Micro-mechanical approaches, Fracture and fatigue, Mullins effect, Strain induced crystallization, Thermal effects, Reinforcement and vulcanization, Design and applications, Smart elastomers. Constitutive Models for Rubber VIII is of interest not only for undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and researchers in the discipline, but also for all those design and development engineers in the industry.

Elastomers are found in many applications ranging from technology to daily life applications for example in tires, drive systems, sealings and print rollers. Dynamical operation conditions put extremely high demands on the performance and stability of these materials and their elastic and flow properties can be easily adjusted by simple manipulations on their elastic and viscous properties. However, the required service life suffers often from material damage as a result of wear processes such as abrasion and wear fatigue, mostly caused by crack formation and propagation. This book covers interdisciplinary research between physics, physical chemistry, material sciences and engineering of elastomers within the range from nanometres to millimetres and connects these aspects with the constitutive material properties. The different chapters describe reliable lifetime and durability predictions based on new fracture mechanical testing concepts and advanced material-theoretical methods which are finally implemented in the finite element method for structural simulations. The use of this approach allows a realistic description of complex geometrical and loading conditions which includes the peculiarities of the mechanical behaviour of elastomeric materials in detail. Furthermore, this approach demonstrates how multi-scale research concepts provide an ambitious interdisciplinary challenge at the interface between engineering and natural sciences. This book covers the interests of academic researchers, graduate students and professionals working in polymer science, rubber and tire technology and in materials science at the interface of academic and industrial research.

Forty one years ago, the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) held its 1st International Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. In July 2007, the 11th ISRM Congress returned to Lisbon, where the Portuguese Geotechnical Society (SPG), the Portuguese National Group of the ISRM, hosted the meeting. The Second Half Century of Rock Mechanics comprises

The book summarises contemporary knowledge about the theory of atomic and molecular clusters. New results are discussed on a high theoretical level. Access to this field of research is given by an explanation of the various subjects in introductory chapters.