Fundamental research on and development of smart structures and materials have shown great potential for enhancing the functionality, serviceability, and life-span of civil, aerospace, and mechanical infrastructure systems. This could contribute significantly to the improvement of productivity and quality of life. Moreover, the recent explosive growth in computer power and connectivity provides unprecedented opportunities for rapid and efficient access to enormous amounts of knowledge and data, including real-time data for monitoring and control of smart structures, and for studying vastly more complex systems than was hitherto possible.