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Experimental Techniques, Vol.26, No.1, (2002). Reprinted with the permission of SEM. A PERSPECTIVE ON RECENT TRENDS IN EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY Prof. Masahisa Takashi Aoyama Gakuin University and Executive Board Member, JSEM The remarkably rapid evolution of new technology (e.g., bio-tech, nano-tech, info-tech) has convinced many engineers, scientists and educators in the Asian community of the long-term need for advanced experimental methods. In an effort to develop a vibrant, multi-disciplinary focus on experimental mechanics in the new millenium, the Japanese Society for Experimental Mechanics (JSEM) was formed on January 1st, 2001. JSEM succeeds the successful Japanese Society of Photoelasticity, founded by Professor M. Nishida in 1979. Specifically, JSEM was established to provide a forum for the technical community actively involved in (a) solving modern problems in the measurement of physical phenomena and (b) recruiting the next generation of experimental mechanicians. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies in "experimental mechanics" that will have an impact on both our understanding of the physical world and industry competitiveness, JSEM is in the process of developing close communication ties between existing academic societies and innovative industries world-wide. In recent months, JSEM has focused on adopting, and implementing, policies that will ensure inter-disciplinary studies are the norm. First, investigators from the fields of aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and solid mechanics are actively involved in the organization of the society. Second, researchers using a wide range of experimental techniques (e.g., acoustics, electro-magnetics, thermal, optical) are represented in the organization, with the expansion of optical measurement methods remaining an active area within JSEM. Third, to improve our ability to develop sustainable inter-disciplinary programs, we are establishing close ties with existing societies in the areas of Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineer-ing, Architecture, Medical and Dentistry Science, Biotechnology and Information Technology. Fourth, to facilitate communication throughout the Asian technical community, JSEM is working with the current Asian Committee on Experimental Mechanics (established in 1997 in Wakayama, Japan) and the Society for Experimental Mechanics to develop cooperative agreements that increase the visibility of experimental mechanics in each country. Similar efforts towards increasing communication with EuroSEM are planned. Fifth, JSEM has initiated technical divisions (or sub-sections) to facilitate activities of special fields. More than 12 subsections have already started their activities, such as Optical Methods, Hybrid Techniques, Fracture Mechanics, Impact Engineering, Materials System, Bio-Mechanics, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Visualization Techniques in Fluid Dynamics, Intelligent Composites, Thermography, Image Processing, and Whole Field Measurements. Each sub-section has to serve as the coordinator of a symposium and /or workshop at least once a year. To emphasize our commitment to this requirement, several sub-sections jointly organized and held a Workshop in November, 2001 entitled `Problems in Experiments, Measurements and Data Processing - Let's solve them together.' With strong industrial and production company involvement, JSEM members were delighted with the animated, lively discussions regarding experimental methods and their applic-ability to a remarkable array of problems, including `Failure Analysis within Police Organizations,' `Packaging Machinery,' `Measurements & Controls,' `Micro-Flow Phenomena' and `Novel Measurements.' Sixth, as part of its effort to increase the visibility of experimental mechanics throughout the world, JSEM will organize international conferences to highlight recent research activity in selected areas. In 2001, JSEM successfully organized and held the 1st Conference on Experimental Mechanics in June in Tokyo, gathering about 120 participants from various fields relating to experimental mechanics. On this occasion, we recognized again the existence of so strong demands for effective methods and techniques in experimental mechanics in the real industrial world. If we can organize effective collaboration opportunities for user-researchers in production companies, sales and system engineers in marketing companies and others, it will be very helpful for all of them not only to expand the application fields of the techniques and methods but also to collect information on new ideas and demands for our society. Finally, JSEM has begun dissemination of its members technical contributions through publication of a new JSEM quarterly journal; Volume 1, number 4 is now in press. In summary, through the development, growth and collaboration of organizations such as JSEM and SEM, the worldwide experimental mechanics community will be in a position to focus attention to the need for measurements while continuing to solve many of the complex measurement issues confronting us. We look forward to the opportunities, and the challenges, and will do our part to ensure that the Asian community is a active participant in the measurements community. |