In writing this monograph, the aim has been to consider the mechanical properties of the wide range of materials now available in such a way as to start with the fundamental nature of these properties and to follow the discussion through to the point at which the reader is able to comprehend the significance or otherwise of the large amounts of data now available in design manuals and other compilations. In short, it is hoped that this volume will be used as a companion to these data compilations and as an aid to their interpretation. In attempting to cover such a wide field, a large degree of selection has been necessary, as complete volumes have been written on topics which here have had to be covered in a few pages or less. It is inevitable that not everyone will agree with the choice made, especially if it is his own subject which has been discussed rather briefly, and the author accepts full res­ ponsibility for the selection made. The book is written at a level which should be easily followed by a university graduate in science or engineer­ ing, although, if his background has not included a course in materials science, some groundwork may be lacking.

1 Deformation Processes in Pure Metals.- 1.1. Glossary of Terms Relevant to the Tensile Test.- 1.2. Elastic Deformation.- 1.3. General Aspects of Plastic Deformation in Metals.- 1.4. The Effect of Temperature on the Yield and Flow of Pure Face-Centered-Cubic Metals.- 1.5. The Effect of Temperature on the Yield and Flow of Pure Body-Centered-Cubic Metals.- 1.6. The Effect of Temperature on the Yield and Flow of Pure Hexagonal-Close-Packed Metals.- 1.7. A Comparison of the Main Characteristics of Face-Centered-Cubic, Body-Centered-Cubic, and Hexagonal-Close-Packed Metals.- 1.8. Plastic Deformation at Constant Stress: Creep.- 1.9. Annealing: Recovery and Recrystallization.- References.- 2 Deformation Processes in Impure Metals and Alloys.- 2.1. Yield and Flow in Solution-Hardened Single-Phase Alloys.- 2.2. Yield and Flow in Precipitation-Hardened Alloys.- 2.3. Yield and Flow in Two-Phase Alloys.- 2.4. Yield Drops and Serrated Stress-Strain Curves.- Note Added in Proof.- References.- 3 Fracture.- 3.1. Basic Mechanisms of Ductile and Brittle Failure.- 3.2. Crack Propagation: Fracture Toughness.- 3.3. The Ductile-Brittle Transition in Ferrous Metals.- 3.4. Time-Dependent Failure.- References.- 4 The Properties of Nonmetals.- 4.1. Polymers.- 4.2. Ceramics and Glasses.- 4.3. Composites.- References.- 5 Testing Methods and Techniques.- 5.1. Basic Types of Cryostat and Cooling System.- 5.2. Modifications, Variations, and Special-Purpose Attachments.- 5.3. Extensometry.- References.- 6 Design and Materials Selection Criteria.- 6.1. Compatibility.- 6.2. Toughness.- 6.3. Practicability.- 6.4. Economic Considerations.- 6.5. Other Technical Considerations.- References.- Appendix I A Brief Summary of the American Aluminum Association Alloy and Temper Designation System.- Appendix II Conversion Table for the Units Most Commonly Used to Measure Stress or Pressure.- Appendix III Some Important Cryogenic Temperatures.