An ECI Conference Series
October 4-9, 2015
Albufeira, Portugal
When produced, all the materials for this conference, including all application and registration forms, will appear on this Web site. At this time there are not yet any materials available. However you may request to be put on the conference mailing list: Request for Next Mailing
About This Conference
The novel field of miniaturized mechanical testing down to the nanometre length scale has evolved significantly in the last few years. The origin of most methods is based on nanoindentation testing – which is also called instrumented indentation testing – a well established technique in materials research although new developments still improve and expand the application field extensively. Novel nano- and micromechanical methods include compression, tension and bending tests, thin film testing methods (e.g. bulge testing, thermal straining), different in situ testing techniques as for example micro-compression experiments combined with X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy or optical spectroscopy methods as well as fatigue and fracture experiments performed on a very local scale or on miniature specimens to determine the mechanical properties of the material. The specimens for these novel testing methodologies are prepared by focussed ion beam milling, lithography, etching of thin film and composite structures or growth of micro/nano-objects (whiskers, rods, spheres etc.).
Since very small volumes are tested, size effects are very important. Modelling of the mechanical behaviour is of special importance to gain an improved understanding of the mechanical properties measured and underlying deformation mechanisms observed using the various test methods. For example discrete dislocation dynamics, molecular dynamics or crystal plasticity finite element simulations provide meaningful and quantitative insights into the deformation processes around nanoindentations and small scale samples.
Applications of these nano- and micromechanical testing methods become more and more important in all fields of materials research such as metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, coatings, composites, and biomaterials and will improve our understanding of the complex mechanical behaviour at small scale. Next to hardness, which is classically measured in an indentation test, nanoindentation and other methods allow many more properties to be measured. For example, the visco-elastic behaviour or time dependent properties, phase transformations, fracture phenomena and toughness can be quantitatively evaluated. For several applications, the temperature dependence and other environmental parameters such as humidity also are of great interest. These nano- and micromechanical testing techniques will help in the development of design concepts for materials based on their local mechanical properties.
The conference will bring together people working in the field of nano- and micromechanical testing in materials research. It will provide a forum for discussion of the latest activities and advances in application of nano- and micromechanical testing methods. This conference will be a follow-up meeting to the ECI conference on Instrumented Indentation Testing (Fodele Beach, Crete from October 9 – 14, 2005), Nanomechanical Testing (Barga – Tuscany, Italy from October 11 – 16, 2009) and Nano- and Micromechanical Testing in Materials Research and Development (Canary Islands, Spain, from October 9 – 14, 2011)
Conference Organization
Chair: M. Legros, CEMES
Abstract Submission
Coming soon!
Conference Venue
Situated in the extreme south of Portugal, the Algarve was the final piece of territory to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese King 
D. Dinis in 1292. Traces of Moorish presence are still seen in its architecture – terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. The name Albufeira has its etymological root in the Arabic, a result from the maritime trade relations with North Africa. Al-Buhera means “Sea Castle,” which may reflect the existence of a fort in the region. The great 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed the town of Albufeira, destroying activity which was only resumed in the mid 19th century. For years the export of fish and several nuts were the main economic sources of the region. Tourist activity arose in the 1960s.
The Algarve, known for its idyllic beaches and ideal temperatures, is just three hours from Lisbon by motorway. In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhaço, Cão, Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This 
brightly colored region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom complement the rich green vegetation and fertile land so characteristic of the whole of the northern Algarve. In strong contrast with the north, the southern Algarve is a coastal zone with long stretches of sandy beach, separated by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
The town of Albufeira is a cosmopolitan town rich in historical and cultural sites. Notable attractions include the 19th Century Clock Tower (a symbol of the city), and the charming 18th Century parish church built in neo-classical style. The remains of one of the towers of the old Castle Wall can be explored as can the
Arch of the Travessa da Igreja Velha, a beautiful example of Arab architecture.
Other nearby places of interest include Castro Marim (one can visit the dirt-built Castle), the Old Town of Faro, the Ilhas da Ria Formosa (National Park), the old town of Lagos with its old slave market, Loulé, Paderne (last Moorish castle ruin – one of the battlements featured on the Portuguese flag), Vila do Bispo, Sagres (the western most point of Europe and strongest lighthouse in Europe), 
and Silves where one can visit the medieval castle and old Moorish town.
The following web sites contain useful information:
Tourism: https://www.visitportugal.com/en, www.albufeira.com/, www.visitalgarve.pt (Algarve culture, tradition, nature and landscape, Albufeira, cultural calendar, golf, sports and adventure)
Weather: www.meteo.pt High temperatures in the Algarve at this time of year (October) average around 25°C and the lows are about 18°C. Bring appropriate clothing and sun protection. Keep in mind that you may want a sweater as conference rooms tend to be chilly at the beginning of the session.
Conference Hotel (www.realhotelsgroup.com/en/grande-real-santa-eulalia-resort-hotel-spa)
The conference will be held at the Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal. 
The resort has state of the art conference facilities and has hosted numerous meetings. It boasts 1,500 square meters of meeting space, including a large ballroom area, five breakout rooms, a business centre and two large foyers. The hotel offers free wireless internet in the conferences area and guest rooms. There is a Thalasso Spa with a fitness room, sauna and heated indoor interactive swimming pool, four tennis courts, and four outdoor heated swimming pools (including a salt water pool). A small gift shop is on site. Dry cleaning and laundry services are available. Family amenities include a children’s pool, babysitting and supervised activities. Parking is free. There is direct access to the Santa Eulalia beach and multiple golf courses in the area. The hotel is also a short distance from Maria Luisa Beach and Oura Beach.
The bedrooms have satellite television, air conditioning, climate control, safes and minibars.
Transportation
The Municipality of Albufeira lies on the southern coast of Portugal, in the Algarve. As a tourist destination, Albufeira offers good air, rail and road links. The nearest airport is Faro International Airport, 35Km from Albufeira, which is served by various national and international links.
The Algarve is served by two main roads which extend parallel along the southern coast, the A22 Motorway (Castro Marim to Vila do Bispo) and the National Road 125 (Vila Real de Sto. António to Sagres), both passing close to Albufeira, linking it with Faro.
The road link between Albufeira and Lisbon is the A2 SUL Motorway and by the IP1, and the rail link is the Lisbon-Faro line. The nearest train station is 11Km from the hotel.
The hotel offers a free shuttle to Albufeira.
Fees and Registration
Coming soon!
Preliminary Program
Coming soon!
Please forward this link to colleagues who may be interested in the conference topic.
Transportation
Coming soon!
General Information
Engineering Conferences International (ECI) is a global engineering conferences program, originally established in 1962, that provides opportunities for the exploration of problems and issues of concern to engineers and scientists from many disciplines.
The format of the weeklong research conference provides morning and late afternoon or evening sessions in which major presentations are made. Available time is included during the afternoons for ad hoc meetings, informal discussions, and/or recreation. This format is designed to enhance rapport among participants and promote dialogue on the development of the meeting. We believe that the conferences have been instrumental in generating ideas and disseminating information to a greater extent than is possible through more conventional forums.
All participants are expected both to attend the entire conference and to contribute actively to the discussions. The recording of lectures and presentations is forbidden. As ECI conferences take place in an informal atmosphere, casual clothing is the usual attire.
The Engineering Conferences International conferences calendar and other information can be found on the ECI web site: www.engconfintl.org
Engineering Conferences International
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