Advances in Mechanics of Rigid and Flexible Systems: Mathematical Models, Numerical Modelling, Experiments, Symmetry and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Mechanics is the oldest branch of applied science, yet it continues to experience rapid and ongoing development across various fields, such as in the mechanical, aeronautical, naval, and aerospace engineering fields, as well as in the medical sector. The industrial impact of basic research is vast, and less and less time is required for new ideas and theories to be applied in industry. The important advancements in computational methods, driven by the increasing power of modern computers, combined with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies—particularly additive manufacturing—have made it possible to design and produce complex mechanical systems that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Nonetheless, the fundamental importance of an analytical model remains unquestionable. Even when simplified, such models provide the essential foundation for design, which can then be refined and validated through numerical simulations and experimental testing.

This Special Issue on " Advances in Mechanics of Rigid and Flexible Systems: Mathematical Models, Numerical Modelling, Experiments, Symmetry and Applications " aims to showcase the latest developments in mechanics, within both fundamental research and the industrial sector. It focuses on the essential triad of modern research, namely analytical modeling, numerical validation (such as finite element or multibody analyses), and experimentation.

A noteworthy feature of this issue is the exploration of symmetry as a fundamental concept in both mathematical and numerical modeling. This focus provides a platform for contributions that delve into the intricate balance and contrasts between symmetry and asymmetry, spanning a broad spectrum of mechanical topics, including but not limited to:

• Nonlinear mathematical models
• Finite element modeling
• The dynamics of rigid and flexible multibody systems
• A kinematic analysis and synthesis of compliant mechanisms
• The vibrations of beams, plates and shells
• Experimental mechanics

The goal of this Special Issue is to serve as a comprehensive collection of original research on the mechanics of rigid and deformable systems, providing the scientific community and readers with the latest insights and advancements.

Papers may focus on theory, experimentation, algorithm development, numerical simulations, or practical applications, provided the work is original and advances the field. Papers centered on experimentation, simulations, or applications must do more than simply present results; they should offer insights into the underlying theoretical basis or propose a clear connection to theoretical interpretation.

Dr. Christian Iandiorio
Dr. Fabio Botta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• mechanics
• mechanisms
• flexible structures
• finite element modelling
• multibody dynamics
• experimental mechanics