Materials Science

Modem materials science is exploiting novel tools of solid-state physics and chemistry to obtain an unprecedented understanding of the structure of matter at the atomic level. The direct outcome of this understanding is the ability to design and fabricate new materials whose properties are tailored to a given device ap­ plication. Although applications of materials science can range from low weight, high strength composites for the automobile and aviation industry to biocompat­ ible polymers, in no other field has progress been more strikingly rapid than in that of electronic materials. In this area, it is now possible to predict from first principles the properties of hypothetical materials and to construct artificially structured materials with layer-by-Iayer control of composition and microstruc­ ture. The resulting superlattices, multiple quantum wells, and high temperature superconductors, among others, will dominate our technological future. A large fraction of the current undergraduate and graduate students in science and engi­ neering will be directly involved in furthering the revolution in electronic mate­ rials. With this book, we want to welcome such students to electronic materials research and provide them with an introduction to this exciting and rapidly de­ veloping area of study. A second purpose of this volume is to provide experts in other fields of solid­ state physics and chemistry with an overview of contemporary research within the field of electronic materials.

The revised second edition of this established text offers readers a significantly expanded introduction to the effects of radiation on metals and alloys. It describes the various processes that occur when energetic particles strike a solid, inducing changes to the physical and mechanical properties of the material. Specifically it covers particle interaction with the metals and alloys used in nuclear reactor cores and hence subject to intense radiation fields. It describes the basics of particle-atom interaction for a range of particle types, the amount and spatial extent of the resulting radiation damage, the physical effects of irradiation and the changes in mechanical behavior of irradiated metals and alloys.

This book introduces the concepts and methodologies related to the modelling of the complex phenomena occurring in materials processing. After a short reminder of conservation laws and constitutive relationships, the authors introduce the main numerical methods: finite differences, finite volumes and finite elements. These techniques are developed in three main chapters of the book that tackle more specific problems: phase transformation, solid mechanics and fluid flow. The two last chapters treat inverse methods to obtain the boundary conditions or the material properties and stochastic methods for microstructural simulation. This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and physics and for engineering professionals or researchers who want to get acquainted with numerical simulation to model and compute materials processing.

This book presents the state-of-the-art coverage of optical materials and their application in various areas. The contents range from basic principles to quantum cutting luminescent materials, advances in plasmonic and photonic substrate-coupled fluorescence, lanthanide doped materials for optical applications, thermoluminescence and optical material for sensing radioactive elements.

Why do engineers need to know about materials? Metals, polymers, ceramics, composites — what are the key characteristics of each class of material and which is best suited for a given industrial application? How can service conditions change the performance of materials? This compact undergraduate textbook gives you, the engineer, insight into these questions and the information you need to effectively interact with materials experts from all walks of life and gain a foothold in your budding career as a materials-literate engineer.