Stéphane P.A. Bordas

This is the 47th volume of Advances in Applied Mechanics. I would like to sincerely thank all authors of Volume 47 for their dedicated work which made this issue possible. Over its four chapters, this book deals with various dissipative phenomena in materials. These phenomena are approached from all three theoretical, numerical, and experimental angles. The chapters address contact and nanoindentation, multiscale modeling of dissipative processes, damage, plasticity, and multifield modeling/simulation of fracture.

Not only do these problems offer a wide and rich field for theoretical and experimental investigations, but they are also central to the design of more durable, sustainable, and energy-efficient structures, materials, and engineering processes. Dissipative mechanisms are also critical to the accurate and robust characterization and to the optimization of micro- and nanostructured materials and structures.

Because of their fundamental and practical importance, fracture, damage, and plasticity will be revisited in future volumes, in particular within a multiscale and multifield context. In particular, we expect to place emphasis on the interplay between experimental, theoretical, and computational methods to better understand and control these phenomena, both in the natural and the engineered environment.

The authors discuss from theoretical, numerical, and experimental angles the modeling as well as the analytical and numerical solution of problems involving dissipation in materials, arising from treatment of solids including fracture.

Last, but not least, I am happy to announce that Daniel Balint, currently at Imperial College London, accepted to accompany me on this journey and will join me as Editor from Volume 48 onward. I would like to thank Daniel for accepting to share this responsibility with me and look forward to the upcoming volumes.

September 1, 2014