In this Third Edition we have retained the objectives and approaches for teaching
materials science and engineering that were presented in previous editions. The first,
and primary, objective is to present the basic fundamentals on a level appropriate for
university/college students who have completed their freshmen calculus, chemistry,
and physics courses. In order to achieve this goal, we have endeavored to use terminology
that is familiar to the student who is encountering the discipline of materials
science and engineering for the first time, and also to define and explain all unfamiliar
terms.
The second objective is to present the subject matter in a logical order, from the
simple to the more complex. Each chapter builds on the content of previous ones.
The third objective, or philosophy, that we strive to maintain throughout the text
is that if a topic or concept is worth treating, then it is worth treating in sufficient
detail and to the extent that students have the opportunity to fully understand it
without having to consult other sources; also, in most cases,somepractical relevance is
provided. Discussions are intended to be clear and concise and to begin at appropriate
levels of understanding.
The fourth objective is to include features in the book that will expedite the
learning process. These learning aids include:
• Numerous illustrations, now presented in full color, and photographs to help
visualize what is being presented;
• Learning objectives, to focus student attention on what they should be getting
from each chapter;
• “Why Study . . .” and “Materials of Importance” items that provide relevance to
topic discussions;
• Key terms, and descriptions of key equations, highlighted in the margins for
quick reference;
• End-of-chapter questions and problems designed to progressively develop students’
understanding of concepts and facility with skills;
• Answers to selected problems, so that students can check their work;
• A glossary, list of symbols, and references to facilitate understanding the subject
matter.
The fifth objective is to enhance the teaching and learning process by using the
newer technologies that are available to most instructors and students of engineering
today.