Topics in Applied Mechanics

This volume is a compilation of contributions in applied mechanics, dealing with both solid and fluid mechanics. The contributions are based on material presented at the national mechanics congress held in the Netherlands from November 16-18, 1992. The volume covers both theoretical and applied issues, including the following topics: experimental mechanics, how to use modern electronic equipment, optical techniques and software tools to measure strain, stress, displacements and forces in both fluids and solids; the analysis of localized effects on stiffness, strength and stability of structures, like dikes, bridges, roads, and all public works necessary to improve among other things the navigation of canals and rivers.The work also considers the analysis of damage processes in concrete and fibre reinforced polymers and the quest to make such processes accessible by numerical computation; the analysis of localized effects on fluid flow, leading to more understanding of the origin of the different colours of musical tones and human speech, but also to more understanding of the pulsating flow of blood through complicated shaped arteries and drag reduction in turbulent flow through pipes or along walls, as a result of small-sized surface grooves or the addition of a very small amount of polymer to liquids; the investigation of non-linearities in the behaviour of dynamic systems such as manipulators and railway vehicles. Other topics covered include micromechanics and constitutive equations. In order to describe complex material behaviour, understanding of momentum and heat transport on almost the molecular level is needed.This emphasizes the importance of micromechanics in relation to the ultimate strength of composite materials, ranging from fibre reinforced plastics up to very high temperature resistant ceramics, toughened by thin hairlike crystals of exceptional mechanical strength; fluid-structure interactions, such as occur in non-rigid pipelines and artery systems.