The University of Aberdeen will host a highly prestigious scientific event Aberdeen in July 2010.
The International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) has approved the University’s proposal to organise a symposium on Nonlinear Dynamics for Advanced Technologies and Engineering Design.
This will be the first ever IUTAM symposium in Scotland.
Professor Marian Wiercigroch, Sixth Century Chair in Applied Dynamics at the University and the symposium chairman said: “I am delighted by this success as this meeting will further enhance Aberdeen’s position in the area of nonlinear dynamics. This would not be possible without support of colleagues and friends, specifically from Professor Giuseppe Rega from the University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, who will act as the symposium co-chairman”.
“The basic philosophy of this approach is to investigate conditions that naturally optimise the behaviour of systems and/or processes in such a way that nonlinear interactions will generate favourable operation. The nonlinearities we examine may arise either as inherent characteristics of the system/process, or may be artificially created for example in a control system. This approach should radically influence the current design, control and exploitation paradigms, in a magnitude of contexts, which because of their incremental nature are often only able to produce marginal improvements in performance of real systems.”
“The main aim of the meeting is to stimulate engineering science research to develop the technology for new generation products/processes operating on principles of nonlinear interaction and in the nonlinear regimes, leading to more effective, sensitive, accurate, and durable operations than are currently available.”
Professor Geoff Tomlinson, the pro vice-chancellor for Research of the University of Sheffield and one of four plenary speakers for the symposium said: “This conference brings together a number of world leading researchers in the field of nonlinear dynamics. The forum will act as a platform for experts to discuss the manner in which the field of nonlinear dynamics can make significant contributions to advanced technologies and engineering design.”
“Nonlinear studies contribute to a wide range of disciplines and there are still many exciting opportunities linked to the way in which we harness nonlinear phenomena. The symposium will create signposts for future directions.”
Sir Duncan Michael, a former chairman of ARUP and the chairman of the Symposium Engineering Advisory Board explains: "Much of human development and engineering design has been about controlling the dynamic and especially the nonlinear responses usually by keeping as far away from them as possible. To find a gathering of experts keen to know and do more about with nonlinear systems in order to contribute to Engineering Design and Advanced Technologies is for a practising engineer is quite fascinating. Rather like going to a dance in ones youth, an infinity of unknowns and of opportunities, all in all irresistibly attractive.
“Normally in engineering design a hidden driver is to reduce complexity in order to have a full control and hence move towards the linear and static behaviour. And inevitably from time to time, the atrophied awareness catches one out, as with the Millenium Foot Bridge which swayed a little, unforecastedly, on the opening day in 2000 and so became famous.
“Even in what may look like the most complex forms, like the superstructures of the Sydney Opera House or the Shahyad Ariamehr monument in Tehran where nonlinear mechanics dominates, the basic geometry is very simple. At Sydney, one radius of 246 feet defines the outer surface of all the roof forms. By choosing the coordinates of the centres of each sphere, by using mirror image forms, and by scaling for the smaller hall, the whole was completely determined.
“Today the power of computation lets us try out messier nonlinear forms in available time, sometimes still self consistent, often very wilful, and so be able to design remarkably easily the Beijing Birds Nest Stadium or the Acquatics Halls of Stratford and Beijing, with a corresponding ability to then produce the artefact itself.
“Interdisciplinarity has long been seen as the more fruitful way as compared to silos of single disciplines excellence, although in practice the default remains to regularly tend towards the solo way, whilst incanting the merits of the better way. Today that bluff is being called, as we develop the means to let interdisciplinarity be both affordable and feasible.
“I hope that the generously long days of light in Aberdeen in July will inspire this ‘distinguished nonlinear gang’ to new enlightenment and insights.”
The Nonlinear Dynamics for Advanced Technologies and Engineering Design symposium will take place at the University from 27 – 30 July 2010.
For more information contact Professor Wiercigroch on m.wiercigroch@abdn.ac.uk or 01224 272509.