Nano Science and Engineering in Solid Mechanics

According to National Science Foundation (NSF) Director A. Bement, ‘Transformative research is … research driven by ideas that stand a reasonable chance of radically changing our understanding of an important existing scientific concept or leading to the creation of a new paradigm or field of science. … is also characterized by its challenge to current understanding or its pathway to new frontiers.’ Nanotechnology is one of such frontiers. It is the creation of new materials, devices and systems at the molecular level — phenomena associated with atomic and molecular interactions strongly influence macroscopic material properties with significantly improved mechanical, optical, chemical, electrical … properties. Former NSF Director Rita Colwell in 2002 declared, ‘nanoscale technology will have an impact equal to the Industrial Revolution’. The transcendent technologies include nanotechnology, microelectronics, information technology and biotechnology as well as the enabling and supporting mechanical and civil infrastructure systems and materials. These technologies are the primary drivers of the twenty first century and the new economy. Mechanics is an essential element in all of the transcendent technologies. Research opportunities, education and challenges in mechanics, including experimental, numerical and analytical methods in nanomechanics, carbon nano-tubes, bio-inspired materials, fuel cells, as well as improved engineering and design of materials are presented and discussed in this paper.

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