CONMECH · Nonsmooth Contact Dynamics

Nonsmooth Contact Dynamics

The scientific goal of the action is to develop new and non-standard mathematical and numerical tools directly motivated by the needs of the analysis of various classes of contact problems in mechanics which are of fundamental importance in technology, industry and real engineering applications. The overall objective of the project is to conduct the ground-breaking research in the field of the Mathematical Theory of Contact Mechanics in physical sciences and engineering. The project crosses the borderlines among mathematics, mechanics, computer science, and material science. It addresses new and emerging areas of research: theory of contact in quasicrystals, variational inequalities on nonconvex sets, hemivariational inequalities, shape optimization and optimal shape design, theory of contact in fluid mechanics, and contact problems in hyperelasticity. The scientific results and the knowhow of the project are important for society in many aspects. They are of interest to areas of research and industry. Potential applications include economic profits due to more accurate prediction of the material stress, displacement, friction and damage under various contact regimes. Although the project is mainly oriented at mathematics, and mathematics contributes a lot to a general mass culture, the action has potential applications in such areas as, for example, automobile industry, building sciences, civil engineering, metal engineering, or mechanical models in medicine. The interdisciplinary aspects are exemplified by the fact that the publications written by the project members are cited both in mathematical papers as well as in engineering ones. The role of basic science is very important since it has fundamental influence on science, technology and other disciplines. We agree with the common belief that our culture is only just approaching the state in which mathematics will be able to begin a wide penetration of social consciousness. The project also contributes to the promotion of such a statement. European industry will benefit greatly from many improvements and tools that will come out from the action. There are many European academic and industrial sites that currently understand and use rigorous methods of Contact Mechanics because of the economic profits. On the European level, significant benefits come from promoting science and scientific career as well as from raising the standards of research. The project contributes to the major objectives of Research Executive Agency since it will strengthen the process of development of research activities and increase international and interdisciplinary mobility of researchers in Europe. The main dissemination media of the results of the project are peer-reviewed publications, lectures, conferences, events promoting the research aimed at various audiences, and teaching activities of seconded researchers.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз