There is a schism between the disciplines of applied mechanics, materials science, and design, that is wholly artificially, and does not represent the real response of a structure to loads. This schism is due in part to the specialization that has occurred in engineering, as in other fields, during the last half century. Such isolation of disciplines is, however, detrimental to the optimal education of our young engineers, and moreover reduces the productivity of technological progress. The outline for the course is attached. The course is based on the concept of total structural design, which takes the point of view of simultaneous considerations of structural mechanics, materials engineering, and life-cycle product development.
Every chapter stresses a specific link between mechanics and materials science.
A generalized design template is introduced that is applied later to the specific design of structural elements in each chapter. Based upon agreements reached within our University and with the BOR, this course will be first offered during the 2000-2001 academic year.