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.