Preface

The development of various branches of modern natural sciences is closely related to the theoretical and applied problems of interaction between different media and fields. Interaction problems are fundamental in the new, rapidly progressing field of mechanics of deformable solid bodies in the context of the theory of magnetoelasticity, which is the study of complex fields and processes in deformable bodies under the influence of external electromagnetic fields. The interest in investigations in this scientific field is due to the importance of quantitative study and evaluation of the effects of interaction between mechanical and electromagnetic processes as well as their practical application. An important consideration in the theory of magnetoelasticity is the issue of vibrations and the stability of thin elastic conductive plates and shells in electromagnetic fields. A good understanding of these issues can lead to truly integrated structures that are able to perform multiple structural as well as electromagnetic and electromechanical functionalities. Structures featuring multiple functionalities are likely to revolutionize the concepts used in design including that of the next generation of aerospace vehicles. These interactions generate new important physical and mechanical phenomena that can affect advanced technology in a beneficial way. For example, these include the generation of different types of resonant vibrations; the noncontact transfer of disturbances; and the design of the next generation of magneto/electro material structures used in active controls. Obtaining the best possible knowledge of the phenomena generated by magneto-elastic interactions and their investigation constitute an important task of modern mechanics. A number of results generated by these phenomena will contribute dramatically to the development of advanced technology, such as the design of electromechanical converters, which can be widely used in important and prospective branches of the economy as well as the medical industry, material science, the instrument-making industry, radio engineering, electronics as a part of selective devices, automatic, telemechanics, and the measurement of technology such as parametric converters. The results of the proposed research can be used also in seismology to design devices for seismic observation.