Preface

Elasticity is the ability of a material body to return to its original shape and size after the removal of a deforming force. The elasticity of materials can be predicted by computational simulations and/or measured in laboratory experiments.

The first section of this book, covering simulation and modeling, contains four chapters. In Chapter 1, Sanjay Pal et al. discuss the elasticity of rubber. Chapter 2, by José Moreira de Sousa, considers failures of nanostructures and fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Kirill Komkov's Chapter 3 describes elements of the nonlinear theory of elasticity based on tensor nonlinear equations. In Chapter 4, Eusebio Jiménez Lopéz et al. describes laminate composite material models.

The second section, on characterization, comprises seven chapters. In Chapter 5, Yohichi Kohzuki highlights the temperature dependence of stress within additive single crystals. Jeremiah Rushcitsky (Chapter 6), illustrates the elasticity of auxetic materials. Chapter 7, by Seiki Chiba et al., covers the improvement of elastomer elongation and output for dielectric elastomers. In Chapter 8, Ramratan Guru et al. describes the functional application of compression and recovery in sportswear fabrics. Chapter 9, by IIndrani Sen and S. Sujith Kumar, discusses the characteristic stress-strain behavior of materials caused by nanoindentation. In Chapters 10 and 11, Bryer Sousa et al. discuss the origins of the Oliver‒Pharr instrumented strength microprobe method and continued advancements in nanoindentation.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the researchers who have made direct contributions to the writing of this book. We also thank all the editorial staff at IntechOpen, in particular Nera Butigan, Author Service Manager, for her effective editing and support during different stages of the production of this book.

#### **Gülşen Akın Evingür**

Faculty of Engineering, Pîrî Reis University, Tuzla, İstanbul, Turkey

**Önder Pekcan** Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Cibali, İstanbul, Turkey

Section 1
