Neural networks in mechanics of structures and materials - new results and prospects of applications

Basic ideas of back-propagation neural networks (BPNNs) are presented in short. Then BPNN applications in analysis of the following problems are discussed: (1) bending analysis of elastoplastic beams, (2) elastoplastic plane stress problem, (3) estimation of fundamental vibration periods of real buildings, (4) detection of damage in a steel beam. (5) identification of loads applied to an elastoplastic beam. Regularization neural network is briefly discussed and its application to estimation of concrete fatigue durability it shown. A modified Hopfield network is used to the analysis of an elastic angular plate with unilateral constraints. In the end some conclusions and prospects of neurocomputing applications are pointed out. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.