History

　　Under a special government directive to foster educators and researchers of applied mechanics, the Institute of Applied Mechanics, which belongs to the College of Engineering in the National Taiwan University, was founded in1984 to establish a graduate institute of international standard and to provide assistance for national defense and economic development. A brief histry is listed below.

• 1984　The Institute of Applied Mechanics (IAM) was founded. The first Director: Prof. Pao, Yih-Hsing.
• 1985　Held the 9th Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.
• 1986　The second Director of the Inst.: Prof. Lee, Shao-Lin.
• 1987　The building of the Institute was erected.
• 1988　Set up the Computer Center and bought hte Mini Super Computer: CONVEX C1.
• 1989　The third Director of the Inst.: Prof. Pao, Yih-Hsing.
• 1990　Prof. Yeh, Chau-Shioung was appointed as the Director of National Center of Research on Earthquake Engr.
• 1991　Prof. Pao, Yih-Hsing received the Prof. Sun, F.D. Memorial Gold Medal Award from Society of STAM.
• 1993　Held Decennial Celebration and the Symposium of Modern Mechanics.
• 1994　The fourth Director of the Inst.: Prof. Wu, Kuang-Chong.
• 1997　The fifth Director of the Inst. Prof, Wu, Tsung-Tsong.
• 1998　The Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems Research Center was established.
• 2000　The sixth Director of the Inst.: Prof. Chu, Chin-Chou.
• 2003　The seventh Director of the Inst.: Prof. Liu, Pei-Ling.
• 2004　Celebrated the second Decennial and held The 28th Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Outline

　　Applied mechanics-a basic subject of engineering-includes civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering and naval architecture. Design and construction of various engineering undertaking as well as the study and manufacture of industrial processes are all based on mechanics. In problem solving, we often use mathematical analyses, numerical calculations, and experimental methods to find the solutions according to mechanical principles. Such knowledge is collectively termed applied mechanics, which includes solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and material mechanics. It is also connected closely with biology and natural sciences, for example, astronomy, meteorology, seismology, and oceanography. In brief, applied mechanics is the discipline between engineering and science. 　　The Institute of Applied Mechanics, College of Engineering in the National Taiwan University, was founded in 1984 under a special Government directive to establish a graduate institute in mechanics of international standard in research and education. Research, being one of the top priorities in the Institute, focuses on cutting-edge disciplines related to mechanics in micro-systems as well as classical area. The research funding for the year 2004 totals more than US$5M, with grants from government agencies and industries. The quality of the Faculty holds the key to the success of the Institute. To the end, the Institute has grown from a faculty of 7 in 1984 to 27 in 2004, all with doctoral degrees from international celebrated universities. With the faculty to student ratio of 1:8 - 166 master candidates and 61 doctoral candidates in 2004 - we believe we are positioned for continual success in research and education.