This is an excellent textbook for students or engineers who are majoring in materials science and engineering. This volume uses an integrated approach to explain the physical principles behind engineering behaviors. It contains15 printed chapters and three online chapters.
Chapter 1 introduces the brief history of materials science through different categories of ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites using examples of a ceramics figurine, cars, turbine engine, and advanced testing equipment. The scope of materials science is well-defined. Chapter 2 introduces the crystal structures and chemical bonding of engineering materials, which provide useful data and formula of atomic physics. Chapter 3 summarizes the most common defects in materials such as point, linear, and three-dimensional defects in materials. Chapter 4 introduces the rearrangement of atoms by using thermodynamics and kinetics principles, and covers how these principles affect heat and mass transfer properties. Chapter 5 thoroughly explains the classic phase-diagram theory in the most understandable way. Specifically, the phase diagrams for liquid polymers are introduced, which is really unique. Chapter 6 briefly introduces the mechanical behavior of materials, and chapter 7 follows up to introduce how to improve the mechanical properties. Chapter 8 very specifically introduces common engineering materials and their applications. The introduction of classifications of primary commercial structure alloys, including aluminum, steel, iron, copper, magnesium, and titanium alloys as well as thermoplastics, provides engineers and designers with very useful guidelines to understand and identify the materials that can be used in their applications. Chapter 9 introduces the temperature effects on mechanical properties of materials in the manner of elasticity and plasticity. Chapter 10 introduces corrosion and some electrochemical applications. Chapter 11 gives a thorough discussion on fracture, fatigue, and cracking, including testing methods and life projections. Chapter 12 introduces composite materials and common failure modes. Chapter 13 switches gears to introduce more practical materials processing techniques (e.g., casting, welding, brazing, cold working). Chapter 14 introduces engineering materials selection criteria and valuable property databases. Chapter 15 summarizes the most advanced materials testing methods and techniques (e.g., x-ray, electron, and neutron diffractions; scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and atomic force microscopy).
Chapters 1–7 provide readers with knowledge to understand the basic theories of materials. Chapters 8–15 introduce engineering materials and the techniques that can be used to learn the physical properties, failures, and guidance of manufacturing processes. Online chapters 16–18 introduce semiconductors, magnetic materials, and photonic materials that are used in more advanced applications than the traditional industries.
This book is well organized in both content and format. It covers almost all of the up-to-date knowledge of materials science. The content is well presented with colorful photographs, sketches, and illustrations. The objective of each chapter and summary bullet points can easily help to capture the content of each chapter. The practice problems are divided into different levels for students, engineers, and subject matter experts. As a result, the book is not only suitable for students, but would also be a useful reference book or handbook during their ensuing careers.
Reviewer: Yan Hongof General Electric, USA.
