Introduction

HPSM 2012 follows the success of the previous five conferences in the series, held in Seville (Spain) in 2002; Ancona (Italy) in 2004; Ostend (Belgium) in 2006; the Algarve (Portugal) in 2008 and Tallinn (Estonia) in 2010. The conference addresses issues involving advanced types of structures, particularly those based on new concepts or new materials. Contributions will highlight the latest developments in design, optimization, manufacturing and experimentation in these areas.

The use of novel materials and new structural concepts nowadays is not restricted to highly technical areas like aerospace, aeronautical applications or the automotive industry, but affects all engineering fields including those such as civil engineering and architecture.

Most high performance structures require the development of a generation of new materials, which can more easily resist a range of external stimuli or react in a non-conventional manner.

Particular emphasis will be placed on intelligent structures and materials as well as the application of computational methods for their modelling, control and management.

The list of topics gives an idea of the wide range of applications to be discussed during the meeting. Contributions on topics not listed are also welcome if they fall within the scope of the conference.