Material Science and Engineering: An Introduction (5th Package Edition)

Rating:
Summary: If you're interested in this topic, this is the 1st choice!
Review: This is a terrific book on the subject of Materials Science.
This is the sort of book more engineers should read, as they lack knowledge in this department. It covers metals, ceramics, plastics and composites as well as briefly covering other materials such as semiconductors. It talks about fabrication processes, microstructures as well as the properties of typical materials - for example with metal alloys, casting, forging etc are discussed as well as phase diagrams.

The last section discusses the application of various materials for use in several different parts. In the edition I have, they are automobile valve springs, an artificial femoral component, and space shuttle tiles, as well as the strength-weight optimisation of various beams. It goes into each aspect of the design, for example how many stress cycles the valve will undergo in the typical lifetime, and give a specific failure rate. Quite interesting.

There are also sections on thermal properties, electrical properties, atomic lattices, and more... I can't remember, it's been a while since I last looked through it properly. In summary, this book is packed with sufficient information to give you general knowledge of each field covered and get you interested, without going overboard -something that most university textbooks tend to do.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding as both Textbook and Reference
Review: This is an excellent textbook, particularly contrasted with other alternatives. The subjects are presented in a rational, systematic manner with the appropriate emphasis put on the necessary fundamental concepts. The example problems are relevant and appropriately challenging.

Having audited a course using this text, and having since used it as a reference volume, I am particularly appreciative of the clarity of explanations and the balance of information necessary for introduction vs. the more detailed excursions that are more appropriate to specialized texts.

I have to admit that I never used the associated software, and was mildly amused by the similarity of the various subject icons with the "for Dummies" series of books. Other than these minor complaints, the text is flawless for its purposes.

Rating:
Summary: All the tough theories just hit your forehead directly!
Review: This is the best textbook for sophore with a materials science major. It gives you a whole spectrum of the materials from the very fundemantal standpoint like electronic structure. I also like its plain and straight-forward style. The author really tried hard to boil down the complicate theories and to make it friendly to the beginners of this area. For instance, when talking about mechanical properties, he avoided a lot of scary mathematic equation but still keep its original flavor. It is an art that you use non-fat and sweetener but the dish is still delicious. I also like the format of this book. All the figures are well drawn, the green fonts here and there seem quiet. When I read this book, I feel that all the tough theories, concepts just jump out of the line and hit my forehead. This is one of my favorie textbook. It is the best book for sophmore.Jane Y. Howe Ph.D. candidate NYS College of ceramics at alfred university