This is the seventh volume in the series "Mathematics in Industrial
Prob- lems. " The motivation for these volumes is to foster interaction
between Industry and Mathematics at the "grass roots level;" that is, at
the level of specific problems. These problems come from Industry: they
arise from models developed by the industrial scientists in ventures
directed at the manufacture of new or improved products. At the same
time, these prob- lems have the potential for mathematical challenge and
novelty. To identify such problems, I have visited industries and had
discussions with their scientists. Some of the scientists have
subsequently presented their problems in the IMA Seminar on Industrial
Problems. The book is based on the seminar presentations and on
questions raised in subse- quent discussions. Each chapter is devoted to
one of the talks and is self- contained. The chapters usually provide
references to the mathematical literature and a list of open problems
which are of interest to the industrial scientists. For some problems a
partial solution is indicated briefly. The last chapter of the book
contains a short description of solutions to some of the problems raised
in previous volumes, as well as references to papers in which such
solutions have been published. The speakers in the Seminar on Industrial
Problems have given us at the IMA hours of delight and discovery. My
thanks to David K. Lambert (Gen- eral Motors Research and Development),
David S.