IUTAM Symposium on Multiscale Problems in Multibody System Contacts

The investigation of multiscale problems in multibody system contacts is an interesting and timely topic which has been the subject of intensive research for more than a decade. While many questions have been answered and the mechanically sound description and simulation is increasingly applied in practical engineering problems, this IUTAM Symposium facilitated discussions between researchers active in the field. It enabled us to review the state-of-the-art and to identify the hot topics which require further efforts in years to come.

It was especially useful in bringing together scientists from closely related but traditionally distinct fields such as multibody system contact, molecular dynamics, finite element contact, collision detection or the mathematics of unilateral contact. It is observed that the once clear boundaries between these fields are blurring and an exchange of ideas will accelerate the development with mutual benefits.

The purpose of the symposium was to provide a basis for discussion and exchange of new concepts and ideas to scientists from all over the world. This proceedings volume summarizes contributions of many authors active in the field and gives insight in very different areas of this fascinating research.

Researchers and Practitioners in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Materials Science and Computer Science