This monograph provides researchers, engineers, postgraduates and lecturers working in the field of ferroelectric or piezoelectric and related materials with features of the structure-property relationships in modern piezo-active composites. These are piezoelectric composites which are active dielectric materials, which can be poled ferroelectric ceramics or domain-engineered single crystals poled along specific crystallographic directions. Current knowledge of the effective physical properties of these materials is lacking especially due to gaps of information in physical, chemical, microgeometric and technological factors. For composite and transducer design purposes, the expected properties of these piezo-active materials have been theorized through models by the authors and proven in experiments. Various well-known journals have published this research, among many others: Smart Materials and Structures; Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics; IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control; Acta Materialia.The book summarises and generalises a series of authors' works on the problem of the effective properties and related parameters of modern two- and three-component piezo-active composites wherein the microgeometric factor plays the dominating role. Specific examples of the performance of composites based on domain-engineered single crystals are also discussed. New trends are described in the research of modern piezo-active composites with the aim of filling the gaps in piezoelectric materials science. The primary goal of the book is to show advantages of different methods being applied to manufacture and study the functional composites that are suitable for piezoelectric energy harvesting, hydroacoustic, sensor, actuator, and other transducer applications.

Conducting polymers were discovered in 1970s in Japan. Since this discovery, there has been a steady flow of new ideas, new understanding, new conducing polymer (organics) structures and devices with enhanced performance. Several breakthroughs have been made in the design and fabrication technology of the organic devices. Almost all properties, mechanical, electrical, and optical, are important in organics. This book describes the recent advances in these organic materials and devices.

Permeability Properties of Plastics and Elastomers, Fourth Edition provides a comprehensive collection of graphical multipoint and tabular data covering the permeation of liquids, vapors, and gases through plastic or polymeric materials, such as films, membranes, and containers. This updated edition includes an entirely new chapter on sustainable and biodegradable polymers and an extensive introductory section covering fatigue, what it is, how it is measured, and the fundamentals of permeation and permeability properties. Foundational information is also provided on the production of films, containers, membranes, and the markets and applications for these materials.

Granular Materials at Meso-scale: Towards a Change of Scale Approach proposes a new way for developing an efficient change of scale-considering a meso-scale defined at the level of local arrays of particles. The change of scale is known to be a very interesting way to improve the modelling of mechanical behavior granular materials. In the past, studies have been proposed using a micro-scale at the grain level to perform change of scale, but limitations have been proven for these approaches. Definition and analysis of the phases are detailed, constituted by sets of meso-domains sharing the same texture characteristics. The authors propose a local constitutive model for the phases, allowing the constitutive model of the representative elementary volume to be definied from a change-of-scale approach and, finally, presenting the validation of obtained modeling on cyclic loadings.

Industrial Catalytic Processes for Fine and Specialty Chemicals provides a comprehensive methodology and state-of-the art toolbox for industrial catalysis. The book begins by introducing the reader to the interesting, challenging, and important field of catalysis and catalytic processes. The fundamentals of catalysis and catalytic processes are fully covered before delving into the important industrial applications of catalysis and catalytic processes, with an emphasis on green and sustainable technologies. Several case studies illustrate new and sustainable ways of designing catalysts and catalytic processes. The intended audience of the book includes researchers in academia and industry, as well as chemical engineers, process development chemists, and technologists working in chemical industries and industrial research laboratories.

Handbook of Antistatics, Second Edition, is the only comprehensive handbook to cover all aspects of antistatic agents, including a complete review of existing literature and patent information on additives capable of modifying properties of materials to make them antistatic, conductive, and/or EMI shielding. Information on the use of additives in various polymers is divided into types and concentrations of antistatics used, the potential effect of antistatics on the polymer and other additives, and examples of typical formulations used for processing of polymers containing the antistatic additive. Each chapter addresses specific properties and applications of antistatic agents, including methods of quality control, compatibility of antistatic agents, and various polymer matrices (along with performance implications), incorporation methods, health and safety, and environmental implications.

Emergy presents the fundamentals of emergy, proposing the definition and representation of emergy diagrams and 'spreading.' Embodied energy is the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building, from the mining and processing of natural resources to manufacturing, transport and product delivery. The authors evaluate a range of sources and the methodologies surrounding emergy analysis. Filled with real-world applied examples including wood energy, wind resources, ore and recycling, this book shows you how to adopt an approach similar to the Lagrangian approach to fluid mechanics, and establish that the intuitive notion of temporal independence of the emergy specific to materials requires nuances.

This major new edition of a popular undergraduate text covers topics of interest to chemical engineers taking courses on fluid flow. These topics include non-Newtonian flow, gas-liquid two-phase flow, pumping and mixing. It expands on the explanations of principles given in the first edition and is more self-contained. Two strong features of the first edition were the extensive derivation of equations and worked examples to illustrate calculation procedures. These have been retained. A new extended introductory chapter has been provided to give the student a thorough basis to understand the methods covered in subsequent chapters.

Lean Combustion: Technology and Control, Second Edition outlines and explains the latest advances in lean combustion technology and systems. Combustion under sufficiently fuel-lean conditions can have the desirable attributes of high efficiency and low emissions. The book offers readers both the fundamentals and latest developments in how lean burn (broadly defined) can increase fuel economy and decrease emissions, while still achieving desired power output and performance. This volume brings together research and design of lean combustion systems across the technology spectrum in order to explore the state-of-the-art in lean combustion. Readers will learn about advances in the understanding of ultra-lean fuel mixtures and how new types of burners and approaches to managing heat flow can reduce problems often found with lean combustion (such as slow, difficult ignition and frequent flame extinction). This book offers abundant references and examples of real-world applications. New to this edition are significantly revised chapters on IC engines and stability/oscillations, and new case studies and examples. Written by a team of experts, this contributed reference book aims to teach its reader to maximize efficiency and minimize both economic and environmental costs.

Magnetic Nanoparticles Learn how to make and use magnetic nanoparticles in energy research, electrical engineering, and medicine In Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications, a team of distinguished engineers and chemists delivers an insightful overview of magnetic materials with a focus on nano-sized particles. The book reviews the foundational concepts of magnetism before moving on to the synthesis of various magnetic nanoparticles and the functionalization of nanoparticles that enables their use in specific applications. The authors also highlight characterization techniques and the characteristics of nanostructured magnetic materials, like superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. Advanced applications of magnetic nanoparticles in energy research, engineering, and medicine are also discussed, and explicit derivations and explanations in non-technical language help readers from diverse backgrounds understand the concepts contained within. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to magnetic materials, including the theory and fundamentals of magnetization In-depth explorations of the types and characteristics of soft and hard magnetic materials Comprehensive discussions of the synthesis of nanostructured magnetic materials, including the importance of various preparation methods Expansive treatments of the surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles, including the technical resources employed in the process Perfect for materials scientists, applied physicists, and measurement and control engineers, Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of inorganic chemists.

Materials Characterization Using Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods discusses NDT methods and how they are highly desirable for both long-term monitoring and short-term assessment of materials, providing crucial early warning that the fatigue life of a material has elapsed, thus helping to prevent service failures. Materials Characterization Using Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods gives an overview of established and new NDT techniques for the characterization of materials, with a focus on materials used in the automotive, aerospace, power plants, and infrastructure construction industries. Each chapter focuses on a different NDT technique and indicates the potential of the method by selected examples of applications. Methods covered include scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography and diffraction, ultrasonic, electromagnetic, microwave, and hybrid techniques. The authors review both the determination of microstructure properties, including phase content and grain size, and the determination of mechanical properties, such as hardness, toughness, yield strength, texture, and residual stress.

Tribological Processes in Valvetrain Systems with Lightweight Valves: New Research and Modelling provides readers with the latest methodologies to reduce friction and wear in valvetrain systems-a severe problem for designers and manufacturers. The solution is achieved by identifying the tribological processes and phenomena in the friction nodes of lightweight valves made of titanium alloys and ceramics, both cam and camless driven. The book provides a set of structured information on the current tribological problems in modern internal combustion engines-from an introduction to the valvetrain operation to the processes that produce wear in the components of the valvetrain. A valuable resource for teachers and students of mechanical or automotive engineering, as well as automotive manufacturers, automotive designers, and tuning engineers.

Additive Manufacturing of Titanium Alloys: State of the Art, Challenges and Opportunities provides alternative methods to the conventional approach for the fabrication of the majority of titanium components produced via the cast and wrought technique, a process which involves a considerable amount of expensive machining. In contrast, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) approach allows very close to final part configuration to be directly fabricated minimizing machining cost, while achieving mechanical properties at least at cast and wrought levels. In addition, the book offers the benefit of significant savings through better material utilization for parts with high buy-to-fly ratios (ratio of initial stock mass to final part mass before and after manufacturing). As titanium additive manufacturing has attracted considerable attention from both academicians and technologists, and has already led to many applications in aerospace and terrestrial systems, as well as in the medical industry, this book explores the unique shape making capabilities and attractive mechanical properties which make titanium an ideal material for the additive manufacturing industry.

Nano- and Microfabrication for Industrial and Biomedical Applications, Second Edition, focuses on the industrial perspective on micro- and nanofabrication methods, including large-scale manufacturing, the transfer of concepts from lab to factory, process tolerance, yield, robustness, and cost. The book gives a history of miniaturization and micro- and nanofabrication, and surveys industrial fields of application, illustrating fabrication processes of relevant micro and nano devices. In this second edition, a new focus area is nanoengineering as an important driver for the rise of novel applications by integrating bio-nanofabrication into microsystems. In addition, new material covers lithographic mould fabrication for soft-lithography, nanolithography techniques, corner lithography, advances in nanosensing, and the developing field of advanced functional materials. Luttge also explores the view that micro- and nanofabrication will be the key driver for a "tech-revolution" in biology and medical research that includes a new case study that covers the developing organ-on-chip concept.

The Utilization of Slag in Civil Infrastructure Construction strives to integrate the theory, research, and practice of slag utilization, including the production and processing of slags. The topics covered include: production and smelting processes for metals; chemical and physical properties of slags; pretreatment and post-treatment technology to enhance slag properties; potential environmental impact; mechanisms of potential expansion; special testing methods and characteristics; slag processing for aggregate and cementitious applications; suitability of slags for use in specific applications; overall properties of materials containing slags; and commercialization and economics. The focus of the book is on slag utilization technology, with a review of the basic properties and an exploration of how its use in the end product will be technically sound, environment-friendly, and economic.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in Aerospace Structures provides readers with the spectacular progress that has taken place over the last twenty years with respect to the area of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The widespread adoption of SHM could both significantly improve safety and reduce maintenance and repair expenses that are estimated to be about a quarter of an aircraft fleet's operating costs. The SHM field encompasses transdisciplinary areas, including smart materials, sensors and actuators, damage diagnosis and prognosis, signal and image processing algorithms, wireless intelligent sensing, data fusion, and energy harvesting. This book focuses on how SHM techniques are applied to aircraft structures with particular emphasis on composite materials, and is divided into four main parts. Part One provides an overview of SHM technologies for damage detection, diagnosis, and prognosis in aerospace structures. Part Two moves on to analyze smart materials for SHM in aerospace structures, such as piezoelectric materials, optical fibers, and flexoelectricity. In addition, this also includes two vibration-based energy harvesting techniques for powering wireless sensors based on piezoelectric electromechanical coupling and diamagnetic levitation. Part Three explores innovative SHM technologies for damage diagnosis in aerospace structures. Chapters within this section include sparse array imaging techniques and phase array techniques for damage detection. The final section of the volume details innovative SHM technologies for damage prognosis in aerospace structures. This book serves as a key reference for researchers working within this industry, academic, and government research agencies developing new systems for the SHM of aerospace structures and materials scientists.

Reliability, Risk and Safety: Back to the Future covers topics on reliability, risk and safety issues, including risk and reliability analysis methods, maintenance optimization, human factors, and risk management. The application areas range from nuclear engineering, oil and gas industry, electrical and civil engineering to information technology and communication, security, transportation, health and medicine or critical infrastructures. Significant attention is paid to societal factors influencing the use of reliability and risk assessment methods, and to combinatorial analysis, which has found its way into the analysis of probabilities and risk, from which quantified risk analysis developed. Integral demonstrations of the use of risk analysis and safety assessment are provided in many practical applications concerning major technological systems and structures. Reliability, Risk and Safety: Back to the Future will be of interest to academics and engineers interested in nuclear engineering, oil and gas engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, information technology, communication, and infrastructure.

Oxidative Stress and Biomaterials provides readers with the latest information on biomaterials and the oxidative stress that can pose an especially troubling challenge to their biocompatibility, especially given the fact that, at the cellular level, the tissue environment is a harsh landscape of precipitating proteins, infiltrating leukocytes, released oxidants, and fluctuations of pH which, even with the slightest shift in stasis, can induce a perpetual state of chronic inflammation. No material is 100% non-inflammatory, non-toxic, non-teratogenic, non-carcinogenic, non-thrombogenic, and non-immunogenic in all biological settings and situations. In this embattled terrain, the most we can hope for from the biomaterials we design is a type of "meso-compatibility," a material which can remain functional and benign for as long as required without succumbing to this cellular onslaught and inducing a local inflammatory reaction.

Atom Probe Tomography is aimed at beginners and researchers interested in expanding their expertise in this area. It provides the theoretical background and practical information necessary to investigate how materials work using atom probe microscopy techniques, and includes detailed explanations of the fundamentals, the instrumentation, contemporary specimen preparation techniques, and experimental details, as well as an overview of the results that can be obtained. The book emphasizes processes for assessing data quality and the proper implementation of advanced data mining algorithms. For those more experienced in the technique, this book will serve as a single comprehensive source of indispensable reference information, tables, and techniques. Both beginner and expert will value the way the book is set out in the context of materials science and engineering. In addition, its references to key research outcomes based upon the training program held at the University of Rouen-one of the leading scientific research centers exploring the various aspects of the instrument-will further enhance understanding and the learning process.