Letter from the President of ABCM

The International Congress of Mechanical Engineering - COBEM, is the largest, most traditional event in the field of Mechanical Sciences held in Brazil. This biennial congress, sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering - ABCM - has now four decades of history. Its goal is o gather professionals from the academia and industry to discuss the main advances and trends in the field of mechanical sciences and technology. The exchange of technical and scientific information is achieved by the oral presentation of technical papers, posters, Plenary lectures, and informal exchange of ideas.

ABCM is very proud that this memorable event is held for the first time in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. This part of Brazil is very proud of its traditions and wonderful history. The touristic city of Gramado is a very popular destination for tourists from different parts of Brazil and South America. I am sure that COBEM delegates will be delighted to enjoy this Conference, the city of Gramado and its surroundings.

This Conference was organized by our colleagues and friends from the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), which is one of the most important federal universities of Brazil. UFRGS is located in the capital of the state – Porto Alegre. The organizing committee put together a very exciting scientific and social program. ABCM is thankful for their effort and talent!

On behalf of ABCM, I would like to welcome you all to Gramado and to this conference hoping that COBEM 2009 will remain in everyone’s mind as a worthy scientific, cultural and human experience. Some of the most important aspects involved in the present technological development and education of new engineers will be discussed, facing the challenges of engineering for the future - the theme of this COBEM. In this sense, ABCM is very optimistic about the significant possibilities of engineering to contribute to solve technological problems and to peace in the world, by using sustainable development techniques in such a way that the environment is preserved for the future generations.

Gramado, November 2009.

Valder Steffen, Jr
President of ABCM