Advanced material models offer tremendous potential in terms of accurate numerical model prediction. Increasing interest in different constitutive models has also been fuelled by the rising popularity of modern engineering materials such as thermoplastics, elastomers and other polymers. At the same time engineers are frequently using advanced material models to explore the behavior of conventional materials, taking account of aspects such as rate dependence, cyclic loading, creep , plasticity and damage, to name but a few. Use of these material models certainly presents many challenges though, including:

• Is the model adequate to accurately represent the material response for the given loading and environmental conditions?
• Is sufficient material data available to allow an appropriate model fit?
• Can a more advanced model be implemented with an acceptable numerical efficiency?

This seminar provides an opportunity for delegates to learn how the many modeling issues related to this topic are addressed. It also provides a rare opportunity to network with peers who are faced with similar challenges and to exchange experiences within material modeling challenges and advantages.