This book deals with the various aspects of stochastic dynamics, the resolution of large mechanical systems, and inverse problems. It integrates the most recent ideas from research and industry in the field of stochastic dynamics and optimization in structural mechanics over 11 chapters. These chapters provide an update on the various tools for dealing with uncertainties, stochastic dynamics, reliability and optimization of systems. The optimization reliability coupling in structures dynamics is approached in order to take into account the uncertainties in the modeling and the resolution of the problems encountered. Accompanied by detailed examples of uncertainties, optimization, reliability, and model reduction, this book presents the newest design tools. It is intended for students and engineers and is a valuable support for practicing engineers and teacher-researchers.

This book presents nearly 90 carefully selected contributions at the 12th International Conference Mechatronics, which took place in Brno, Czech Republic on 6-8 September 2017. Reflecting the most progressive and constantly changing areas of mechatronics, these proceedings includes papers concerning modeling and simulation, automatic control, robotics, sensors and actuators, electrical machines, and energy harvesting. It not only offers inspiration, but also deepens readers' interdisciplinary and integrated understanding of modern engineering. The book is intended for experts in the integration of electronic, mechanical, control and computer sciences.

Covers significant changes in GPS/INS technology, and includes new material on GPS, GNSSs including GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and IRNSS/NAViC, and MATLAB programs on square root information filtering (SRIF) This book provides readers with solutions to real-world problems associated with global navigation satellite systems, inertial navigation, and integration. It presents readers with numerous detailed examples and practice problems, including GNSS-aided INS, modeling of gyros and accelerometers, and SBAS and GBAS. This revised fourth edition adds new material on GPS III and RAIM. It also provides updated information on low cost sensors such as MEMS, as well as GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and IRNSS/NAViC, and QZSS. Revisions also include added material on the more numerically stable square-root information filter (SRIF) with MATLAB programs and examples from GNSS system state filters such as ensemble time filter with square-root covariance filter (SRCF) of Bierman and Thornton and SigmaRho filter. Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Inertial Navigation, and Integration, 4th Edition provides: Updates on the significant upgrades in existing GNSS systems, and on other systems currently under advanced development Expanded coverage of basic principles of antenna design, and practical antenna design solutions More information on basic principles of receiver design, and an update of the foundations for code and carrier acquisition and tracking within a GNSS receiver Examples demonstrating independence of Kalman filtering from probability density functions of error sources beyond their means and covariances New coverage of inertial navigation to cover recent technology developments and the mathematical models and methods used in its implementation Wider coverage of GNSS/INS integration, including derivation of a unified GNSS/INS integration model, its MATLAB implementations, and performance evaluation under simulated dynamic conditions Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Inertial Navigation, and Integration, Fourth Edition is intended for people who need a working knowledge of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), and the Kalman filtering models and methods used in their integration.

Comprehensive resource focusing on theoretical methods and experimental techniques to analyze physical polymer chemistry Connecting varied issues to demonstrate the impact on areas like biodegradability, environmental friendliness, structure-property relationship, and molecular design, Conformational Analysis of Polymers introduces theoretical methods and experimental techniques to analyze physical polymer chemistry. Opening with a description of fundamental concepts and then describing the conformational characteristics of various polymers including different heteroatoms and chemical species, the text continues onto the applications of density functional theory to polymer crystals and structure-property relationships and concludes by bringing these issues together to demonstrate their practical impact on different areas of the field. Various methods and techniques, including density functional theory (DFT), statistical mechanics, NMR, spectroscopy, and molecular orbital theory, are also covered. Written by a highly qualified author, Conformational Analysis of Polymers explores sample topics such as Fundamentals of polymer physical chemistry: stereochemistry of polymers, models for polymeric chains, Flory-Huggins theory, and rubber elasticity Quantum chemistry for polymers: ab initio molecular orbital theory, density functional theory (DFT), NMR parameters, and periodic DFT of polymer crystals Statistical mechanics of polymeric chains: basic rotational isomeric state (RIS) scheme, refined RIS method, inversional-rotational isomeric state method, and probability theory for RIS scheme Experimental techniques: NMR and scattering methods Providing a timely update to the field of chain conformations of synthetic polymers and connecting fundamental theoretical approaches, experimental techniques, and case study applications, Conformational Analysis of Polymers is an essential resource for polymer chemists, physicists, and material scientists, industrial engineers who synthesize and process polymers, and academic researchers.

This short book provides a concise study of the mechanics of head impact in a soccer heading manoeuvre. It describes the development and validation of finite element models of soccer ball and human head, as well as the simulation of brain dynamics after ball-to-head impact. In addition, it also presents a computational study of the efficacy of wearing protective headgear in mitigating the risk of concussion due to heading in soccer.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an amazing technique that allies a versatile methodology (that allows measurement of samples in liquid, vacuum or air) to imaging with unprecedented resolution. But it goes one step further than conventional microscopic techniques; it allows us to make measurements of magnetic, electrical or mechanical properties of the widest possible range of samples, with nanometre resolution. This book will demystify AFM for the reader, making it easy to understand, and to use. It is written by authors who together have more than 30 years experience in the design, construction, and use of AFMs and will explain why the microscopes are made the way they are, how they should be used, what data they can produce, and what can be done with the data. Illustrative examples from the physical sciences, materials science, life sciences, nanotechnology and industry demonstrate the different capabilities of the technique.

Discover the physical chemistry of charge carriers in the second edition of this popular textbook Ionic and electronic charge carriers are critical to the kinetic and electrochemical properties of ionic solids. These charge carriers are point defects and are decisive for electrical conductivity, mass transport and storage phenomena. Generally, defects are deviations from the perfect structure, and if higher-dimensional, also crucial for the mechanical properties. The study of materials science and energy research therefore requires a thorough understanding of defects, in particular the charged point defects, their mobilities and formation mechanisms. Physical Chemistry of Ionic Materials is a comprehensive introduction to these charge carrier particles and the processes that produce, move, and activate them. Covering both core principles and practical applications, it discusses subjects ranging from chemical bonding and thermodynamics to solid-state kinetics and electrochemical techniques. Now in an updated edition with numerous added features, it promises to be the essential textbook on this subject for a new generation of materials scientists. Readers of the 2nd Edition of Physical Chemistry of Ionic Materials will also find: Two new chapters on solid state electrochemistry and another on nanoionics Novel brief sections on photoelectrochemistry, bioelectrochemistry and atomistic modelling put the treatment into a broader context Discussion of the working principles required to understanding electrochemical devices like sensors, batteries, and fuel cells Real laboratory measurements to ground basic principles in practical experimentation Physical Chemistry of Ionic Materials is a valuable reference for chemists, physicists, and any working researchers or advanced students in the materials sciences.

Coulson and Richardson's classic series provides the student with an account of the fundamentals of chemical engineering and constitutes the definitive work on the subject for academics and practitioners. Each book provides clear explanations of theory and thorough coverage of practical applications, supported by numerous worked examples and problems. Thus, the text is designed for students as well as being comprehensive in coverage.

This volume covers the three main transport process of interest to chemical engineers - momentum transfer (fluid flow), heat transfer and mass transfer and the relationships between them. The concluding chapter covers an application where each of these processes is occurring simultaneously - water cooling and humidification. The topics covered form the theoretical basis for much of the material in the later volumes of the series.

This volume contains a collection of 14 papers submitted from the below five symposia held during the 11th International Symposium on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Applications (CMCEE-11), June 14-19, 2015 in Vancouver, BC, Canada: * Photocatalysts for Energy and Environmental Applications * Advanced Functional Materials, Devices, and Systems for the Environment * Geopolymers, Inorganic Polymer Ceramics and Sustainable Composites * Macroporous Ceramics For Environmental and Energy Applications * Advanced Sensors for Energy, Environment, and Health Applications

This introductory textbook links theory with practice using real illustrative cases involving products, plants and infrastructures and exposes the student to the evolutionary trends in maintenance. * Provides an interdisciplinary approach which links, engineering, science, technology, mathematical modelling, data collection and analysis, economics and management * Blends theory with practice illustrated through examples relating to products, plants and infrastructures * Focuses on concepts, tools and techniques * Identifies the special management requirements of various engineered objects (products, plants, and infrastructures)

"Drysdale's book is by far the most comprehensive - everyone in the office has a copy...now including me. It holds just about everything you need to know about fire science."
(Review of "An" "Introduction to Fire Dynamics, 2nd Edition")

After 25 years as a bestseller, Dougal Drysdale's classic introduction has been brought up-to-date and expanded to incorporate the latest research and experimental data. Homework problems are included, with solutions, and others are available on the accompanying website at www.wiley.com/go/drysdale. Essential reading for all involved in the field from undergraduate and postgraduate students to practising fire safety engineers and fire prevention officers, "An Introduction to Fire Dynamics" is unique in that it addresses the fundamentals of fire science and fire dynamics, thus providing the scientific background necessary for the development of fire safety engineering as a professional discipline.

"An Introduction to Fire Dynamics"Includes experimental data relevant to the understanding of fire behaviour of materials;Features numerical problems with answers illustrating the quantitative applications of the concepts presented;Extensively course-tested at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Edinburgh, and widely adopted throughout the world;Will appeal to all those working in fire safety engineering and related disciplines.

GRAFTED BIOPOLYMERS AS CORROSION INHIBITORS Comprehensive resource explaining the synthesis, characterization, and anticorrosive applications of green and environmentally benign grafted biopolymers and their derivatives Grafted Biopolymers as Corrosion Inhibitors highlight research and technology on sustainable grafted biopolymers as corrosion inhibitors and detail their rapidly emerging features and future research prospects. The many forms of grafted biopolymers and techniques for preventing corrosion are explored in relation to their macromolecular weights, chemical makeup, and distinctive molecular and electronic structures. The book covers state-of-the-art corrosion science and engineering as well as an in-depth, step-by-step exposition of knowledge on numerous corrosion systems and their role in contemporary industry. Each chapter include an introduction, isolation and purification, synthesis methods, worked examples, current applications, and future predictions. Edited and contributed to by well-known researchers, scientists and experts from academia and industry, Grafted Biopolymers as Corrosion Inhibitors includes information on: Basics of corrosion, economic adverse effects and its mitigation, and past and present developments and future directions of corrosion inhibition Corrosion inhibitor classification and selection criteria, chemical, electrochemical, and surface characterization, and computational techniques for corrosion monitoring Sustainable grafted biopolymers, covering synthesis and characterizations, properties and applications, and factors affecting biopolymers grafting Grafted natural exudates gums, pectin, chitosan, starch, cellulose, alginates, dextrin, and biopolymer composites and nanocomposites as sustainable corrosion inhibitors Delivering the recent advancements in sustainable grafted biopolymer for the anticorrosive applications arena, Grafted Biopolymers as Corrosion Inhibitors is an essential resource for scholars in academia and industry, working corrosion engineers, and materials science, engineering, and chemistry students.

Incisive discussions of a critical mission-enabling technology for deep space missions In The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration, distinguished JPL engineer and manager David Woerner delivers an insightful discussion of how radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are used in the exploration of space. It also explores their history, function, their market potential, and the governmental forces that drive their production and design. Finally, it presents key technologies incorporated in RTGs and their potential for future missions and design innovation. The author provides a clear and understandable treatment of the subject, ranging from straightforward overviews of the technology to complex discussions of the field of thermoelectrics. Included is also background on NASA's decision to resurrect the GPHS-RTG and discussion of the future of commercialization of nuclear space missions. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to RTGs, as well as their invention, history, and evolution Comprehensive explorations of the contributions made by RTGs to US space exploration Practical discussions of the evolution, selection, and production of RPS fuels In-depth examinations of technologies and generators currently in development, including skutterudite thermoelectrics for an enhanced MMRTG Perfect for space explorers, aerospace engineers, managers, and scientists, The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration will also earn a place in the libraries of NASA archivists and other historians.

Learn why ergonomics is a business solution and not a business problem The Ergonomics Edge Improving Safety, Quality, and Productivity Dan MacLeod It is time for ergonomics to be seen in its true light. Too often, the subject of ergonomics appears to be complicated, expensive, and a burden on industry. It has gained visibility because of hefty regulatory fines and product liability law-suits. As a result, many managers consider ergonomics to be just another business headache. In The Ergonomics Edge, Dan MacLeod demonstrates why ergonomics is really good news for managers, revealing how it can actually be a formidable weapon in a company’s quest to gain competitive advantage. MacLeod is one of the leading practitioners of workplace ergonomics in the U.S., and has successfully applied ergonomics in many manufacturing and service industries. He shows how improving the user-friendliness of both the workplace and a company’s end-product can lead to reduced workers’ comp, turnover, absenteeism, and other cost savings. Moreover, he reveals how ergonomics can lead to higher earnings through greater worker productivity and increased sales. Highly illustrated and written in a conversational style, The Ergonomics Edge provides a non-technical approach designed to demystify this subject that many find daunting. Section 1 presents basic ergonomic principles and discusses how these serve to enhance the functioning of any business, and goes on to show how businesses can respond to new and impending OSHA and ANSI standards in a way that promotes efficient business operation. Section 2 explores a number of specific issues, offering insight into:

• Ergonomics as an aspect of your firm’s Total Quality Management effort
• The causes and costs of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and how these may be prevented
• The role of ergonomics in improving quality, productivity, and work organization
• The capacity of ergonomics to address vital human resource issues such as today’s aging work force and the rights of employees with disabilities

This proceedings contains a collection of 24 papers from The American Ceramic Society's 41st International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, held in Daytona Beach, Florida, January 22-27, 2017. This issue includes papers presented in the following symposia: - Symposium 3 14th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) - Symposium 8 11th International Symposium on Advanced Processing & Manufacturing Technologies for Structural & Multifunctional Materials and Systems - Symposium 11 Advanced Materials and Innovative Processing ideas for the Production Root Technology - Symposium 12 Materials for Extreme Environments: Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) and Nano-laminated Ternary Carbides and Nitrides (MAX Phases) - Symposium 13 Advanced Materials for Sustainable Nuclear Fission and Fusion Energy - Symposium 14 Crystalline Materials for Electrical, Optical and Medical Applications - Symposium 15 Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies - Focused Session 1 Geopolymers, Chemically Bonded Ceramics, Eco-friendly and Sustainable Materials

A GROUNDBREAKING TEXT THAT BRIDGES TEH GAP BETWEEN THEORTERICAL DYANICS AND INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS.
Designed to address the perceived failure of introductory dynamics courses to produce students capable of applying dynamic principles successfully, both in subsequent courses and in practice, Engineering Applications of Dynamics adopts a much-needed practical approach designed to make the subject not only more relevant, but more interesting as well.
Written by a highly respected team of authors, the book is the first of its kind to tie dynamics theory directly to real-world situations. By touching on complex concepts only to the extent of illustrating their value in real-world applications, the authors provide students with a deeper understanding of dynamics in the engineering of mechanical systems.
Topics of interest include:
* The formulation of equations in forms suitable for computer simulation
* Simulation examples of real engineering systems
* Applications to vehicle dynamics
* Lagrange's equations as an alternative formulation procedure
* Vibrations of lumped and distributed systems
* Three-dimensional motion of rigid bodies, with emphasis on gyroscopic effects
* Transfer functions for linearized dynamic systems
* Active control of dynamic systems
A Solutions Manual with detailed solutions for al problems in this book is available at the Web site, www.wiley.com/college/karnopp.

Physics of Energy Sourcesprovides readers with a balanced presentation of the fundamental physics needed to understand and analyze conventional and renewable energy sources including nuclear, solar, wind and water power. It also presents various ways in which energy can be stored for future use. The book is an informative and authoritative text for students in the physical sciences and engineering and is based on a lecture course given regularly by the author. With the ever increasing demand for sustainable, environmentally-friendly and reliable sources of energy, the need for scientists and engineers equipped to tackle the challenges of developing and improving upon commercially viable energy sources has never been more urgent. By focusing on the physical principles governing energy production, storage, and transmission, this book provides readers with a solid foundation in the science and technology of energy sources. Physics of Energy Sources features include: * Analyses of conventional and renewable energy sources in terms of underlying physical principles * Integrated application of a wide range of physics, from classical to quantum physics * Coverage of nuclear, wind, wave, tidal, hydroelectric, geothermal and solar power, including many practical systems * Consideration of efficiency for power production as well as energy storage and transportation * Consideration of key environmental issues * Worked examples in text, and problems & solutions to encourage understanding * Derivation of formulae with a minimum of mathematical complexity

This book provides important information and recent advances on membranes for energy production. It starts from the history of membrane science and technology, fundamentals of membrane technology including principles of membrane formation and principle behind, followed by introducing the gas separation using membrane technology, membranes for ion transport or separation realized in energy generation and storage, and power generation, and concludes the future direction and outlook of the membrane technology in energy application and industry. It will benefit the reader not only on the application of membranes in energy industry, but also on the principles or theories behind this important application including the transport of small molecules such as gas, ion and water.

A holistic and straightforward analysis framework for understanding particle strength distributions In Particle Strengths: Extreme Value Distributions in Fracture, distinguished researcher Dr. Robert F. Cook delivers a thorough exploration of the science and related engineering of fracture strength distributions of single particles tested in diametral compression. In the book, the author explains particle strengths in the broader context of material strengths to permit readers to design with particles in systems in which mechanical properties are crucial to application, manufacturing, and handling. Particle Strengths compiles published data on particle strengths into a common format that includes over 140 materials systems and over 270 published strength distributions derived from over 13000 individual particle strength measurements. It offers physically consistent descriptions of strength behavior, including the strength threshold, using simple polynomial distribution functions that can easily be implemented. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to particles and particle loading, including discussions of particle failure and human activity Comprehensive explorations of stochastic scaling of particle strength distributions, including concave and sigmoidal stochastic distributions Practical discussions of agglomerate particle strengths, including those relevant to pharmaceuticals, foods, and catalysts Detailed treatments of applications and scaling of particle strengths, including particle crushing energy and grinding particle reliability Perfect for materials scientists and engineers, mining and construction engineers, and environmental scientists, Particle Strengths: Extreme Value Distributions in Fracture will also benefit anthropologists, zoologists, pharmaceutical scientists, biomaterials scientists and engineers, and graduate students studying materials science, and chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering.

Design, development and life-cycle management of any electromechanical product is a complex task that requires a cross-functional team spanning multiple organizations, including design, manufacturing, and service. Ineffective design techniques, combined with poor communication between various teams, often leads to delays in product launches, with last minute design compromises and changes. The purpose of Design of Electromechanical Products: A Systems Approach is to provide a practical set of guidelines and best practices for driving world-class design, development, and sustainability of electromechanical products. The information provided within this text is applicable across the entire span of product life-cycle management, from initial concept work to the detailed design, analysis, and development stages, and through to product support and end-of-life. It is intended for professional engineers, designers, and technical managers, and provides a gateway to developing a product's design history file ("DHF") and device aster record ("DMR"). These tools enable design engineers to communicate a product's design, manufacturability, and service procedures with various cross-functional teams.

Nontraditional machining utilizes thermal, chemical, electrical, mechanical and optimal sources of energy to bind, form and cut materials. Advanced Analysis of Nontraditional Machining explains in-depth how each of these advanced machining processes work, their machining system components, and process variables and industrial applications, thereby offering advanced knowledge and scientific insight. This book also documents the latest and frequently cited research results of a few key nonconventional machining processes for the most concerned topics in industrial applications, such as laser machining, electrical discharge machining, electropolishing of die and mold, and wafer processing for integrated circuit manufacturing.

A comprehensive and up-to-date reference on holographic recording Photorefractive Materials for Dynamic Optical Recording offers a comprehensive overview of the physics, technology, and characterization of photorefractive materials that are used for optical recording. The author, a noted expert on the topic, offers an exploration of both transient and permanent holographic information storage methods. The text is written in clear terms with coherent explanations of the different methods that allows for easy access to the most appropriate method for a specific need. The book provides an analysis of the fundamental properties of the materials and explores the dynamic recording of a spatial electric charge distribution and the associated spatial electric field distribution. The text also includes information on the characterization of photorefractive materials using holographic and nonholographic optical methods and electrical techniques, reporting a large number of actual experimental results on a variety of materials. This important resource: Offers an in-depth source of information on the physics and technology of all relevant holographic recording methods Contains text written by a pioneer in the field--Jaime Frejlich's research defined the field of dynamic holographic recording Presents a one-stop resource that covers all phenomena and methods Includes a review of the practical applications of the technology Written for materials scientists, solid state physicists, optical physicists, physicists in industry, and engineering scientists, Photorefractive Materials for Dynamic Optical Recording offers a comprehensive resource on the topic from the groundbreaking expert in the field.

Advances in computer, visual display, motion and force cueing and other technologies in the past two decades have had a dramatic effect on the design and use of simulation technology in aviation and other fields. The effective use of technology in training, safety investigation, engineering and scientific research requires an understanding of its capabilities and limitations. As the technology has as its primary goal the creation of virtual environments for human users, knowledge of human sensory, perceptual, and cognitive functioning is also needed. This book provides a review and analysis of the relevant engineering and science supporting the design and use of advanced flight simulation technologies. It includes chapters reviewing key simulation areas such as visual scene, motion, and sound simulation and a chapter analyzing the role of recreating the pilot's task environment in the overall effectiveness of simulators. The design and use of flight simulation are addressed in chapters on the effectiveness of flight simulators in training and on the role of physical and psychological fidelity in simulator design. The problems inherent in the ground-based simulation of flight are also reviewed as are promising developments in flight simulation technology and the important role flight simulators play in advanced aviation research. The readership includes: flight simulation engineers and designers, human factors researchers and practitioners, aviation safety investigators, flight training management and instructors, training and instructional technologists, virtual environment design community, and regulatory authorities.

Table of Contents

Contents: Visual scene simulation; Sound effects and communications simulation; Whole body motion; Handling qualities and control loading; Cognitive fidelity and the simulator task environment; Flight simulators in pilot training and evaluation; Simulator fidelity and training effectiveness; Limitations in flight simulator design and use; Advances in flight simulation; Flight simulation in research; Bibliography; Index.

Micromechanical manufacturing based on microequipment creates new possibi- ties in goods production. If microequipment sizes are comparable to the sizes of the microdevices to be produced, it is possible to decrease the cost of production drastically. The main components of the production cost - material, energy, space consumption, equipment, and maintenance - decrease with the scaling down of equipment sizes. To obtain really inexpensive production, labor costs must be reduced to almost zero. For this purpose, fully automated microfactories will be developed. To create fully automated microfactories, we propose using arti?cial neural networks having different structures. The simplest perceptron-like neural network can be used at the lowest levels of microfactory control systems. Adaptive Critic Design, based on neural network models of the microfactory objects, can be used for manufacturing process optimization, while associative-projective neural n- works and networks like ART could be used for the highest levels of control systems. We have examined the performance of different neural networks in traditional image recognition tasks and in problems that appear in micromechanical manufacturing. We and our colleagues also have developed an approach to mic- equipment creation in the form of sequential generations. Each subsequent gene- tion must be of a smaller size than the previous ones and must be made by previous generations. Prototypes of ?rst-generation microequipment have been developed and assessed.

ESSENTIALS OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE PHYSICS An introductory semiconductor device physics textbook that is accessible to readers without a background in statistical physics I wish this book had been available when I needed to make a Semiconductor class myself a few years ago [...] A very nice aspect is that some concepts (e.g. density of states) are explained in a way that I have not seen elsewhere. These types of unconventional approaches are very valuable for a teacher. (Bjorn Maes, University of Mons, Belgium) [...] the author offers an accessible description of statistical analysis and adopts it to explain the core properties of semiconductors. [...] [He] uses interesting metaphors and analogies to exemplify some of the most difficult notions, in an innovative and engaging way. (Andrea di Falco, University of St. Andrews, UK) The subject of this book is the physics of semiconductor devices, which is an important topic in engineering and physics because it forms the background for electronic and optoelectronic devices, including solar cells. The author aims to provide students and teachers with a concise text that focuses on semiconductor devices and covers the necessary background in statistical physics. This text introduces the key prerequisite knowledge in a simple, clear, and friendly manner. It distills the key concepts of semiconductor devices down to their essentials, enabling students to master this key subject in engineering, physics, and materials. The subject matter treated in this book is directly connected to the physics of p-n junctions and solar cells, which has become a topic of intense interest in the last decade. Sample topics covered within the text include: Chemical potential, Fermi level, Fermi-Dirac distribution, drift current and diffusion current. The physics of semiconductors, band theory and intuitive derivations of the concentration of charge carriers. The p-n junction, with qualitative analysis preceding the mathematical descriptions. A derivation of the current vs voltage relation in p-n junctions (Shockley equation). Important applications of p-n junctions, including solar cells The two main types of transistors: Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT) and Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET) For students and instructors, it may be used as a primary textbook for an introductory semiconductor device physics course and is suitable for a course of approximately 30-50 hours. Scientists studying and researching semiconductor devices in general, and solar cells in particular, will also benefit from the clear and intuitive explanations found in this book.