ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces interpretation of algebraic inequalities based on sub- and super-additive multivariable functions to generate new knowledge in any area of science and technology. The chapter demonstrates that new results obtained by interpretation of these inequalities are obtained without the need of any forward analysis. The new results are obtained automatically as long as the variables in the sub- or super-additive functions represent additive quantities. The generated new knowledge can then be used for optimising various systems and processes. It is shown that the Bergström inequality is a special case of a multivariable sub-additive function, and its meaningful interpretation led to a method of increasing the power generated in electrical circuits, the electrical energy stored in capacitors by a charge of given size and to a method of increasing the capacity for absorbing strain energy of mechanical components loaded in tension and bending. The chapter shows that the existence of asymmetry is absolutely essential to increasing the energy-absorbing capacity during tension and bending. For example, loaded elements experiencing the same displacement do not yield an increase of the absorbed elastic strain energy. The requirement for asymmetry for achieving the beneficial effects is rather counter-intuitive and makes these results difficult to obtain by alternative means bypassing the use of algebraic inequalities based on sub-additive functions.
