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Based on the courses given at the CISM school in 2008, this volume presents a coherent account of state-of-the-art research in the field. The level of exposition is appropriate for postgraduate students or researchers in aerospace, mechanical or civil engineering.

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This book is a collection of articles covering the six lecture courses given at the CISM School on this topic in 2008. It features contributions by established international experts and offers a coherent and comprehensive overview of the state-of-the art research in the field, thus addressing both postgraduate students and researchers in aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering.

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