Event 26: Advances of Soft Computing in Engineering

Soft computing (SC) is related to biologically inspired methods, i.e. to artificial neural networks, evolutionary algorithms and fuzzy inference systems. SC is a counterpart of conventional (hard) methods and a part of the artificial intelligence computational methods. In recent years an increasing role of SC in computational mechanics of structures and materials has been observed. This is also caused by complementary features of SC to the finite element method and great potential of SC as an efficient tool in the analysis of optimum design and inverse problems. The aim of the course is to present advances of well grounded mathematical foundations of SC, and formulation of hybrid FEM/SC computational systems to analyze various applications in structural engineering and mechanics of materials.The main attention is focused on the stochastic background of algorithms applied in search methods. Special attention is focused on applications of genetic algorithms and genetic programming as efficient tools for the analysis of complex, engineering mechanics problems.The Bayesian techniques and Kalman filtering are discussed as advanced methods for neural network training and design. Algorithms used for the neural network supported constitutive modelling and material identification will be extensively considered. The interaction or coupling of SC, FEM and measured responses of structures, leading to the formulation of various computational systems, are considered. Applications of such hybrid systems in earthquake engineering and reliability of structures will be discussed. Many special applications of SC in mechanical and structural engineering will be presented. Weight and crash-worthiness optimization of cars and aerospace components, civil engineering concrete and steel structures damage analysis will also be discussed. The lectures are addressed to graduate, master and PhD students, post docs and researchers in engineering and science, as well as lecturers of technical universities who wish to extend their experience in SC and its various applications in mechanics and engineering

Fellowships

10 fellowships (8 of Group 1, 1 of Group 2 and 1 of Group 3) are offered to young participants to attend the workshop.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
-have a degree giving access to doctoral studies (Master, Diploma degrees, DEA...., and have started studies towards a PhD)
-have less than 10 years experience since the begining of the PhD degree program
-be a citizen of the European Union or of its Associated States
-be in a research activity inside the EU or its Associated States.
Selection criteria for max. 10 participants:
•8 PhD students from Member or Associated States (see full list on CISM’s website)
•1 “Early stage researchers” from Member or Associated States
•1 “Experienced researcher” with up to 10 years of experience from Member or Associated States
•Gender balance (at least 40% of female participation)
•Regional balance (only 30% of funded researchers may be nationals of the same country)
•Quality of past research
•Must speak English.
Further information on fellowships and applications procedures are available on CISM website: http://www.cism.it/ under Activities, Courses and Other Events, Programme 2007.

When

2007-10-08 09:00 to
2007-10-12 18:00

Deadlines

Requests should be sent to CISM Secretariat by July 23, 2007 together with the applicant’s curriculum and a letter of recommendation by the head of the department or supervisor confirming that the institute cannot provide funding. Students should apply on CISM website. A letter of confirmation will be sent to accepted participants by August 30, 2007.

Where

CISM, Udine, Italy

Contact

Sara Gutilla

Contact Email

S.Guttilla@cism.it

Contact Phone

+39 0432 248 543

For more information, visit
http://www.cism.it/
http://www.cism.it/cism/p2007/annC0710.pdf