Synergistic integration of smart materials, structures, sensors, actuators and control electronics has redefined the concept of"structures" from a conventional passive elastic system to an active controllable structronic (structure +electronic) system with inherent self-sensing, diagnosis, and control capabilities. Such structronic systems can be used as components of high performance systems or can be an integrated structure itself performing designated functions and tasks. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of structronic systems their development has attracted researchers and scientists from theoretical and applied mechanics and many other disciplines, such as structures, materials, control, electronics, computers, mathematics, manufacturing, electromechanics, etc. , see Figure I. This field was first introduced about mid-80 and it is quickly becoming a new emerging field recognized as one ofthe key technologies of 51 the 21 century. This new field focuses on not only multi-field and multi-discipline integrations, but has also enormous practical applications impacting many industries and enriching human living qualities. Structures (Systemill, Monitoring...)(Non-homogeneous & Incompatible Structures) Electromechanics I StrucTranics I (SmartStructures) ___. I Mechanics (Solid, (Intelligent Structural Systems) Fracture,Fatigue...) DynamicslKinematics & Vibration Figure I Multi-disciplinary integration ofstructronic systems. To reflect the rapid development in smart structures and structronic systems, the objective of the IUTAM 2000 Symposium on Smart Structures and Structronic Systems, the first IUTAM symposium in this new emerging area, is to provide a forum to discuss recent research advances and future directions or trends in this field.
