Book excerpt: Modeling, simulation, and optimization are three critical components of modern design practice that have grown tremendously over the last few decades with the increased use of computer-aided designs in engineering and industry. This book takes a multidisciplinary approach to the trends and challenges of computational modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques and their applications in the field of engineering sciences. It presents practical case studies and illustrations of computational techniques on materials and manufacturing in a diverse selection of applications, such as for drug delivery systems, for refrigeration models, for polymer and aluminum metal matrix composites, for automotive and aircraft applications, and even for talent management strategies on retaining talented employees.