Mechanical properties of nonmetallic solids
Early in April 1958 an opportunity developed for the writer to attend the Conference on The Mechanical Properties of Nonmetallic Solids sponsored by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR on May 19–26 in Leningrad, USSR. A letter of invitation from Academician A. F. Joffe who was the chairman of the Conference Organization Committee was received. In the letter it was stated that three physical problems would be discussed. They were: (1) defects in crystalline and amorphous solids, (2) plasticity of crystals, and (3) mechanical strength of solids. It was also indicated that the number of participants, as well as the number of reports at the conference, would be limited. The conference would chiefly proceed with the discussion of the reports.