Contact and Surface 2011

10th International Conference on Surface Effects and Contact Mechanics

21 - 23 September 2011, Malta

Organisers

Wessex Institute of Technology, UK
University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Description

The importance of contact and surface effects in modern engineering and their combined effects led the organisers to reconvene this 10th International Conference, which covers two related topics: Computational Methods and Experiments in Contact Mechanics and Surface Effects.

Nowadays the importance of contact and surface problems in many technological fields is well understood. They are complex and inherently non-linear due to the moving boundary and the different properties of materials, particularly along the contact surfaces. Structural components failure by wear, corrosion and high cycle fatigue are affected and initiated by the surface conditions. The use of surface treatments can reduce the cost of components and extend the life of the elements for surfaces undergoing contact, a problem that will be specifically addressed by the conference.

The meeting will particularly emphasise the application of advanced theories and experimental techniques. Participants will be encouraged to critically review existing ideas and to explore new areas of research.

The series first started in Southampton, UK (1993); continued in Ferrara and Milan, Italy (1995); Oxford, UK and Madrid, Spain (1997); Stuttgart, Germany and Assisi, Italy (1999); Seville, Spain (2001); Crete, Greece (2003); Bologna, Italy (2005); New Forest, UK (2007) and Algarve, Portugal (2009).

Topics

• Computer simulation
• Surface modification
• Surface treatments
• Surface problems in contact mechanics
• Contact mechanics
• Applications and case studies
• Indentation and hardness
• Thick and thin coatings
• Corrosion problems
• Nano-characterisation
• Test methodology
• Multiscale experiments and modelling
• Fracture fatigue and mechanics

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at: http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/contactandsurface-2011.html

Air Pollution 2011

19th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution

19 - 21 September 2011, Malta

Organiser

Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

This is the 19th Annual Meeting in the successful series of international conferences dealing with Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution.

The series started in Mexico (1993) and continued in Barcelona (1994); Halkidiki (1995); Toulouse (1996); Bologna (1997); Genova (1998); San Francisco (1999); Cambridge, UK (2000); Ancona (2001); Segovia (2002); Catania (2003); Rhodes (2004); Cordoba (2005); New Forest (2006); the Algarve (2007); Skiathos (2008); Tallinn (2009) and Kos (2010). All these meetings have attracted outstanding contributions from leading researchers from all over the world and all papers presented since 1993 stored in the WIT eLibrary (http://library.witpress.com).

Air pollution is highly topical nowadays due to the increase in the number of emission sources and the significance that good quality air has on human health. The complexity of this topic is increased by the fact that air pollution generated locally can have an impact on a regional and in some cases even on a global scale. The contaminants emitted in one place can quickly disperse through the atmosphere and industrial activities in one country can affect the air quality in another. More accurate and reliable predictive models are necessary, which can be used to assess the influence of one or several sources of pollution on various end points. Improvements are possible through better quantification of emission rates and more accurate information on composition of pollutants of various sources. This includes improving transport models on a regional scale, which can include accurate predictionson a local scale where necessary, enhancing knowledge of chemical reactions transforming existing and creating new pollutants, deposition of particles, and understanding the impact of separate pollutants and combinations of pollutants on human health and the environment.

Technology constantly brings new products to the consumers and with this comes the possibility of creating new contaminants. This development constantly demands research in the field of air pollution in order to better understand, prevent, or bring to acceptable levels, new pollution sources. The process of defining acceptable levels is demanding new research to understand better the impact of long term exposure to various pollutants, or mixtures where separate components can have synergistic effects. Improved knowledge of the effect of pollutants on human health forces periodic review of the regulations for air quality and emissions. Further research for improving monitoring and detection technology is required in order to be able to verify that the current regulations for air quality are satisfied, and to identify areas where further improvements are required.

The goal of this conference is to bring together researchers who are active in the study of air contaminants and to exchange information through the presentation and discussion of papers dealing with the wide variety of topics described below. Case study papers are encouraged. Papers of a more theoretical nature, dealing with advanced mathematical and computational methods, will also be within the scope of the conference.

Topics

• Air pollution modelling
• Air quality management
• Urban air management
• Emissions studies
• Monitoring and measuring
• Global and regional studies
• Aerosols and particles
• Climate change and air pollution
• Indoor air pollution
• Pollution prevention
• Economics of air pollution control
• Innovative technologies
• Emission reduction strategies
• Health effects
• Natural emissions

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at: http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/airpollution-2011.html

Lake Sustainablity 2011

First International Conference on Lake Sustainability

13 - 15 September 2011, New Forest, UK

Organiser

Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

The first international conference on Lake Sustainability aims to bring together researchers and practitioners from a wide range of different disciplines involved in the study of lake environments and ecosystems. The conference will attract physical scientists, biologists, ecologists, as well as others working on other aspects of lake sustainability, including economists, social and political scientists and specialists that can contribute to a better understanding of lacustrine environments.

The management of lakes is facing numerous challenges nowadays, some of them related to natural and many others to anthropogenic causes. Climate change in particular will have serious consequences for lake environments, while man’s increasing demands will require an integrated approach to lake management, considering not only the entire watershed area but also the different socioeconomic and ecological aspects. Any proposed solution will require improvements in ecosystems services, and the development of lake ecosystems. Furthermore, more information needs to be processed and shared regarding lake and habitat restoration and the conference would welcome concrete examples and case studies.

Lake systems are complex and characterized by being in a continuous state of evolution and change. They can be easily disturbed, leading to major ecological or environmental disasters as evidenced by many cases in the past. Their behaviour requires careful analysis before attempts are made to alter existing conditions. Well documented disasters have emphasized the need to consider lake environments in their entirety, applying interdisciplinary approaches.
The conference will deal with all topics related to the behavior of lakes, including physical, biological, pollution, water resources management, socio-economic aspects, restoration and exploitation and many others as given in the conference topics. Because of the complexity of the problems, the list only includes a summary of the most important issues, other topics related to lake sustainability will also be considered.

Topics

• Climate change issues
• Integrated socio-economic and ecological aspects
• Lakes drainage and watershed
• Large lakes
• Small lake issues
• Saline lakes
• Floodplain lakes
• Alpine lakes
• Artificial lakes and reservoirs
• Lake management
• Sustainable management strategies
• Lake ecosystems
• Ecosystems services management
• Sustainability and ecological indicators
• Hydrobiological issues
• Water chemistry issues
• Palaeoenvironments
• Water resources management
• Lakes and agriculture
• Pollution control
• Toxicology and eutrophication studies
• Lake and habitat restoration
• Lakes as features of development
• Leisure and tourism
• Political and international issues
• Case studies

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at: http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/lakesustainability-2011.html

Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures (ERES) 2011

8th International Conference on Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures

7 - 9 September 2011, Chianciano Terme, Italy

Organiser

Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

ERES 2011 is the eighth international conference in the series on Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures organised by the Wessex Institute of Technology. The meeting provides a unique forum for the discussion of basic and applied research in the various fields of earthquake engineering relevant to the design of structures. The importance and actuality of the work presented at these meetings is reflected by the increasing number of major earthquakes that are taking place all over the world.

The conference began in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1997; followed by Catania, Italy (1999); Malaga, Spain (2001); Ancona, Italy (2003); Skiathos, Greece (2005); Bologna, Italy (2007) and Cyprus (2009). The papers presented at those meetings are now available in the Wessex Institute eLibrary (http://library.witpress.com)

This conference aims to discuss the state of the art in structures subjected to earthquakes, including the geophysical aspects, the behaviour of historical buildings, seismic isolation, retrofitting, base isolation and energy absorption systems, as well as a wide range of applications and case studies, partially described in the conference topics.

The problem of protecting the built environment in earthquake-prone regions of the world involves not only the optimal design and construction of new facilities, but also the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing structures and infrastructures in heritage buildings. The inestimable loss of life and the colossal costs following a major earthquake in a metropolitan area provides sufficient reason for the scientific and technical communities to respond to the challenges. It also emphasises the importance of this conference.

Topics

• Geographical and geotechnical engineering
• Seismic hazard and vulnerability
• Seismic isolation and energy dissipation
• Structural dynamics
• Building performance during earthquakes
• Retrofitting
• Lifelines
• Material mechanics and characterisation
• Nonlinear numerical analysis
• Performance based design
• Experimental studies
• Forensic analysis
• Safety and security
• Innovative technologies

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at:
http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/eres-2011.html

STREMAH 2011

12th International Conference on Structural Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture

5 - 7 September 2011, Chianciano Terme, Italy

Organisers

Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

STREMAH 2011 is the 12th International Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture. The meeting, which has taken place on a regular basis since the first conference started in Florence (1989) and continued in Seville (1991); Bath (1993); Crete (1995); San Sebastian (1997); Dresden (1999); Bologna (2001); Halkidiki (2003); Malta (2005); Prague (2007) and Tallinn (2009). It has become an international event attracting specialists from all over the world.

The conference will aim to bring together scholars and professionals to discuss a variety of topics related to architectural and maritime heritage.

The significance of the architectural heritage for the historical identity of a region, town or nation is now widely recognised throughout the world. In order to take care of our heritage we need to look beyond borders and continents to benefit from the experience gained from others and to gain a better understanding of its cultural background.

The success of the conference is due both to the importance given today to architectural heritage and the high quality of the presentations at the meetings. Each volume has gathered the most recent advances in research and up to date studies of heritage buildings. This has resulted in STREMAH becoming the most important conference of its kind.

Topics

• Heritage architecture and historical aspects
• Learning from the past
• Regional architecture
• Structural restoration of metallic structures
• Preservation of archaeological sites
• Modern (19th/20th century) heritage
• Maritime heritage
• Heritage masonry buildings
• Adobe restorations
• Wooden structures
• Structural issues
• Seismic vulnerability and vibrations
• Assessment, retrofitting and reuse of heritage buildings
• Surveying and monitoring
• Material characterisation and problems
• Simulation and modelling
• New techniques and materials
• Non-destructive techniques
• Experimental validation and verification
• Performance and maintenance
• Environmental damage
• Social and economic aspect in heritage
• Guidelines, codes and regulations for heritage

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at:
http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/stremah-2011.html

BIOMED 2011

Ninth International Conference on Modelling in Medicine and Biology

26 - 28 July 2011, Riga, Latvia

Organisers

University of Lativa, Latvia
Riga Technical University, Latvia
Riga Stradins University, Latvia
Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

The ninth International Conference on Modelling in Medicine and Biology is a well established and recognised forum for dissemination of the latest research and applications in this important field.

Advances in medical and biological technology are transforming medical care and treatment; in great part this is the result of the interaction and collaboration between medical sciences and engineering. This has resulted in substantial progress in health care and in the quality of life of the population.

Computer models in particular have been increasingly successful in simulating biological phenomena. These are lending support to many applications, including cardiovascular systems, the study of orthopaedics and biomechanics and electrical simulation amongst others.

Another important contribution, due to the wide availability of computational facilities and the development of better numerical algorithms, is the ability to acquire, analyse, manage and visualise massive amounts of data.

The conference topics cover a broad spectrum including the application of computers to simulate biomedical problems, ranging from cardiovascular modelling to virtual reality and simulation in surgery.

This important conference started in Southampton in 1991, followed by a meeting in Bath (1993) and others in Milano (1995), Aquasparta (1997), Ljubljana (2003), Bologna (2005), New Forest (2007) and Crete (2009). The papers presented at these meetings are archived in the WIT eLibrary (http://library.witpress.com) where they are immediately and easily accessible to the international scientific community.

Topics

• Cardiovascular system
• Biomechanics
• Simulation of physiological processes
• Computational fluid dynamics in biomedicine
• Orthopaedics and bone mechanics
• Data acquisition and analysis
• Virtual reality in medicine
• System biology
• Diagnostic tools and therapy
• Bioelectromagnetics

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at:
http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/biomed-2011.html

Environmental Health Risk 2011

6th International Conference on the Impact of Environmental Factors on Health

25 - 27 July 2011

Organiser

Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

Description

Environmental Health Risk 2011 is the sixth international conference in this successful series which started at the University of Cardiff, UK, in 2001 followed by the second at the University of Catania in 2003, the third in Bologna in 2005, Malta in 2007 and the Wessex Institute of Technology, New Forest Campus, in 2009.

Health problems related to the environment have become a major source of concern all over the world. The health of the population depends upon good quality environmental factors including air, water, soil, food and many others.

The aim of society is to establish measures that can eliminate or considerably reduce hazardous factors from the human environment to minimize the associated health risks. The ability to achieve these objectives is in great part dependent on the development of suitable experimental, modelling and interpretive techniques, which allow a balanced assessment of the risk involved as well as suggesting ways in which the situation can be improved.

The interaction between environmental risk and health is often complex and can involve a variety of social, occupational and lifestyle factors. This emphasises the importance of considering an interdisciplinary approach.

The conference aims to provide a forum for the dissemination and exchange of information on the diverse aspects of the impact of environmental factors on health across different disciplines.

The papers presented at these meetings are permanently archived in the eLibrary of the Wessex Institute (http://library.witpress.com) where they are easily and permanently accessible to the international scientific community.

Topics

• Risk prevention and monitoring
• Control of pollution risk
• Mitigation problems
• Disaster management and preparedness
• Epidemiological studies and pandemics
• Air pollution
• Water quality issues
• Food safety
• Radiation fields
• Toxicology analysis
• Ecology and health
• Waste disposal
• Occupational health
• Industrial safety and hygiene
• Social and economic issues
• Accidents and man-made risks
• The built environment and health
• Designing for health
• Contamination in rural areas
• Climate change and adaptation
• Educational projects
• Environmental education and risk abatement

Web Page

View the conference website, which has full details about the conference objectives, topics and submission requirements at:
http://www.wessex.ac.uk/11-conferences/environmentalhealthrisk-2011.html