Phase transformations in solids typically lead to surprising mechanical behaviour with far reaching technological applications. The mathematical modeling of these transformations in the late 80s initiated a new field of research in applied mathematics, often referred to as mathematical materials science, with deep connections to the calculus of variations and the theory of partial differential equations. This volume gives a brief introduction to the essential physical background, in particular for shape memory alloys and a special class of polymers (nematic elastomers). Then the underlying mathematical concepts are presented with a strong emphasis on the importance of quasiconvex hulls of sets for experiments, analytical approaches, and numerical simulations.

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.

This book reports recent mathematical developments in the Programme "Analysis, Modeling and Simulation of Multiscale Problems", which started as a German research initiative in 2006. Multiscale problems occur in many fields of science, such as microstructures in materials, sharp-interface models, many-particle systems and motions on different spatial and temporal scales in quantum mechanics or in molecular dynamics. The book presents current mathematical foundations of modeling, and proposes efficient numerical treatment.

A compilation of detailed lecture notes on six topics at the forefront of current research in numerical analysis and applied mathematics. Each set of notes presents a self-contained guide to a current research area and has an extensive bibliography. In addition, most of the notes contain detailed proofs of the key results. The notes start from a level suitable for first year graduate students in applied mathematics, mathematical analysis or numerical analysis, and proceed to current research topics. The reader should therefore be able to quickly gain an insight into the important results and techniques in each area without recourse to the large research literature. Current (unsolved) problems are also described and directions for future research is given.

This book is developed for the study of vectorial problems in the calculus of variations. The subject is a very active one and almost half of the book consists of new material. This is a new edition of the earlier book published in 1989 and it is suitable for graduate students. The book has been updated with some new material and examples added. Applications are included.

This book primarily focuses on rigorous mathematical formulation and treatment of static problems arising in continuum mechanics of solids at large or small strains, as well as their various evolutionary variants, including thermodynamics. As such, the theory of boundary- or initial-boundary-value problems for linear or quasilinear elliptic, parabolic or hyperbolic partial differential equations is the main underlying mathematical tool, along with the calculus of variations. Modern concepts of these disciplines as weak solutions, polyconvexity, quasiconvexity, nonsimple materials, materials with various rheologies or with internal variables are exploited. This book is accompanied by exercises with solutions, and appendices briefly presenting the basic mathematical concepts and results needed. It serves as an advanced resource and introductory scientific monograph for undergraduate or PhD students in programs such as mathematical modeling, applied mathematics, computational continuum physics and engineering, as well as for professionals working in these fields.

Granular matter displays a variety of peculiarities that distinguish it from other appearances studied in condensed matter physics and renders its overall mathematical modelling somewhat arduous. Prominent directions in the modelling granular flows are analyzed from various points of view. Foundational issues, numerical schemes and experimental results are discussed. The volume furnishes a rather complete overview of the current research trends in the mechanics of granular matter. Various chapters introduce the reader to different points of view and related techniques. New models describing granular bodies as complex bodies are presented. Results on the analysis of the inelastic Boltzmann equations are collected in different chapters. Gallavotti-Cohen symmetry is also discussed.