Use of New Technology to Improve Mechanical Readiness, Reliability and Maintainability

The theme of these proceedings is the improvement, through the application of new and advancing technology, of the readiness, reliability, and maintainability of mechanical systems and structures. The papers, which come from workers in industry, government, and academia representing many different countries, emphasise new developments in detection, diagnosis, and prognosis techniques, computer science including artificial intelligence, material and machinery durability, and failure mechanisms. The demand for safety and reliability in complex structures and systems is increasing at the same time as performance standards are being escalated. The costs associated with premature or unexpected component failure necessitate the application, as rapidly as possible, of the latest advances in science and engineering to assess performance throughout the life cycle. The topicality of the issues is indicated by the greatly increased attendance at this 40th meeting.