The proceedings of the International Congress (c) include about 120 papers selected out of 160 papers submitted for presentations at APCF/SIF-2014, to be held in Sydney, Australia, December 9-12, 2014, and uniting the Asian-Pacific Conference on Fracture and Strength 2014 (APCFS-2014) with the International Conference on Structural Integrity and Failure (SIF-2014). The congress will be hosted by The University of Sydney and co-organized by Australia Fracture Group (AFG), the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, Materials Institution (CMES-MI), the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers, Materials and Fracture Division (KSME-MFD) and The Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers, Materials and Mechanics Division (JSME-MMD). The congress follows the series of the previous very successful APCF and SIF international forums, in particular, APCFS 2012, Busan and the 8th SIF, Melbourne, 2013. - Characterisations of complex mechanisms of damage accumulation and failure - Application of new multi-scale modelling approaches in problems associated with structural integrity - Development of more accurate technologies for structural damage assessment

Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites Discover a comprehensive exploration of fiber reinforced polymers by an expert team of editors Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer several unique properties that make them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to marine, construction, and co-industrial. In Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, a distinguished team of mechanical engineers delivers a comprehensive overview of fiber reinforced composites. This edited volume includes thorough discussions of glass-, cotton-, and carbon-fiber reinforced materials, as well as the tribological properties and non-structural applications of synthetic fiber composites. Readers will also find practical explorations of the structural evolution, mechanical features, and future possibilities of fiber, textile, and nano-cementitious materials. The physical and chemical properties of cotton fiber-based composites are explored at length, as are the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, and field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. This singular book also includes: A thorough discussion of recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, their implications, and the opportunities that arise as a result A comprehensive exploration of the thermal behavior of natural fiber-based composites An insightful review of the literature on sisal fiber with polymer matrices A response to the growing research gap in the existing literature regarding natural fiber-based polymer composites and solutions to address it Perfect for scientists, engineers, professors, and students working in areas involving natural and synthetic reinforced polymers and composites, Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications offers a one-of-a-kind resource to help readers understand a critical and rapidly evolving technology.

Plant Fibers, their Composites, and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent research into plant fibers, including the synthesis of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites, characterization techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications.Plant fibers have generated great interest among material scientists due to their characteristics, which include availability, low cost, biodegradability, easy processability, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, low acoustic properties. They have been proven to be excellent replacements for synthetic fibers and have found applications in advanced polymer composites.Coverage includes every stage of working with plant fibers, including synthesis, processing, characterization, applications, recycling, and life cycle assessment of plant fibers and their composites. Drawing on work from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions across the globe, this is a definitive one-stop reference for anyone working with plant fibers. - Addresses emerging applications of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites in automotive, aerospace and construction and building applications - Provides detailed coverage of the modern processing technologies and synthesis for plant fibers and their composites - Includes valuable technical information relating to a range of new and nonconventional plant fibers

This book presents a novel theory of multibody dynamics with distinct features, including unified continuum theory, multiscale modeling technology of multibody system, and motion formalism implementation. All these features together with the introductions of fundamental concepts of vector, dual vector, tensor, dual tensor, recursive descriptions of joints, and the higher-order implicit solvers formulate the scope of the book’s content. In this book, a multibody system is defined as a set consisted of flexible and rigid bodies which are connected by any kinds of joints or constraints to achieve the desired motion. Generally, the motion of multibody system includes the translation and rotation; it is more efficient to describe the motion by using the dual vector or dual tensor directly instead of defining two types of variables, the translation and rotation separately. Furthermore, this book addresses the detail of motion formalism and its finite element implementation of the solid, shell-like, and beam-like structures. It also introduces the fundamental concepts of mechanics, such as the definition of vector, dual vector, tensor, and dual tensor, briefly. Without following the Einstein summation convention, the first- and second-order tensor operations in this book are depicted by linear algebraic operation symbols of row array, column array, and two-dimensional matrix, making these operations easier to understand. In addition, for the integral of governing equations of motion, a set of ordinary differential equations for the finite element-based discrete system, the book discussed the implementation of implicit solvers in detail and introduced the well-developed RADAU IIA algorithms based on post-error estimation to make the contents of the book complete. The intended readers of this book are senior engineers and graduate students in related engineering fields.

The UK Catalysis Hub is a consortium of universities working together on fundamental and applied research to find out how catalysts work and to improve their effectiveness. The contribution of catalysis to manufacturing contributes to almost 40% of global GDP, making development and innovation within the field integral to industry.Modern Developments in Catalysis, Volume 2 provides a review and update of current research and practice on catalysis. Topics range from the treatment of water using novel techniques for carbon neutrality, cutting-edge techniques using intense radiation including Operando Synchrotron Infrared Microspectroscopy to innovation in homogeneous catalysis, heterogeneous catalysis and biocatalysis. Edited by leaders of the UK Hub, this book provides insight into one of the most important areas of modern chemistry — it represents a unique learning opportunity for students and professionals studying and working towards speeding up, improving and increasing the rate of catalytic reactions in science and industry.