No 2, Vol. 5, 2003 
 

NANO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IN MECHANICS AND MATERIALS

Ken P. Chong

PhD, PE, F.ASCE, F.AAM, M.ASME
Director, Mechanics and Materials Program
Directorate for Engineering, National Science Foundation,
Arlington, VA 22230, U.S.A.

Abstract

The transcendent technologies include nanotechnology, microelectronics, information technology and biotechnology as well as the enabling and supporting civil infrastructure systems and materials. These technologies are the primary drivers of the twenty first century and the new economy. Mechanics and materials are essential elements in all of the transcendent technologies. Research opportunities, education and challenges in mechanics and materials, including nanomechanics, carbon nano-tubes, bio-inspired materials, coatings, fire-resistant materials as well as improved engineering and design of materials are presented and discussed in this paper.

full paper (pdf, 320 Kb)