Mechanics issues are the principal focus of the intelligent structures research at the University of Maryland. The bulk of this activity is in describing the mechanical and optical interaction between structurally embedded optical fiber sensors and their host structures. Issues currently being addressed are the phase-strain theory for embedded optical fiber sensors, mechanically optimal coatings for embedded sensors, the micromechanics of passive and active instrumentation embedded in monolithic and composite host materials under static, fatigue, and dynamic loading.