Editorial

Abstract

This special issue of University of Porto Journal of Engineering contains selected papers presented at the 3rd International Conference on Materials Design and Applications 2020 (MDA 2020), held in online during 5-6 November 2020. The goal of the conference was to provide a unique opportunity to exchange information, present the latest results as well as to discuss issues relevant to materials design and applications. The focus is on fundamental research and application areas in the field of the design and application of engineering materials, predominantly within the context of mechanical engineering applications. This includes a wide range of materials engineering and technology, including metals, e.g., lightweight metallic materials, polymers, composites, and ceramics. Advanced applications include manufacturing of new materials, testing methods, multi-scale experimental and computational aspects. Approximately 155 papers were presented by researchers from nearly 30 countries.
 In order to disseminate the work presented in MDA 2020, selected papers were prepared which resulted in the present special issue. A wide range of topics are covered resulting in 10 papers dealing with metals (first three papers), composites (three papers), tribology (one paper) and machining (three papers). The papers presented here are good examples of the latest trends related materials design and applications.
 The organizer and editor wish to thank all the authors for their participation and cooperation, which made this volume possible. Finally, I would like to thank the team of University of Porto, especially Dr. Luís Miguel Costa, for the excellent cooperation during the preparation of this volume.