The future role of experimental mechanics in international aspects

The present and future role of measurement and experimental techniques in analyzing displacements, strain and stress in structures, structural elements as well as in technical systems is considered. There are more reasons and much wider fields to apply methods of experimental mechanics nowadays than ever before. New advanced modern techniques, new measurement equipment,automatization of the measuring and evaluating processes are available. Hybrid techniques, i.e. the combination of advanced measurement and computer techniques have been developed. Such methods allow optimization of structures and products, saving energy and raw materials, improving the quality of products and the reliability and safety of structures and technical systems, controlling the production processes as well as supervising the safety of operating systems. They can and have to contribute to minimizing risks of technical systems, and detractions of environment. To transfer knowledge on new developments in more or less advanced methods of experimental mechanics is of increasing importance to those developing countries, which are at the threshold of economic development.