In their classic book^[TG], Tadmor and Gogos introduced the concept of "steps" in polymer processing. They defined their steps to be: handling of particulate solids; melting; pressurization and pumping; mixing; devolatilization and stripping.

In 1981 the mathematician Paul Halmos posed the question as to whether there were elements of mathematics that were akin to the elements in chemistry^[HP]. Should they exist, mathematical elements would provide a powerful means of understanding what is known and what is still to be done. We may well ask the same question of our topic "CAE in Polymer Processing". Are there really elements that, if identified, could be assembled to create new processes and means of understanding? Are there indeed "groups" that relate several "elements"? I think we should consider this question again. There are ideas that keep recurring in areas of polymer processing. Consider for example, solidification, structure development under flow and interfaces. Some may be elements others perhaps groupings of elements. As a GRC should define what is important in a field of scientific endeavor, this conference will have the theme, "Elements of CAE in Polymer Processing." I will be asking our speakers to give their views on this - thereby defining areas of study they think important.

    [TG] - Z. Tadmor and C. Gogos, Principles of Polymer Processing, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1979.
    [HP] - P. Halmos, Does Mathematics Have Elements?, The Mathematical Intelligencer, 3, p. 147 - 153, (1981)