In materials science, dislocations are irregularities within the crystal structure or atomic scale of engineering materials, such as metals, semi-conductors, polymers, and composites. Discussing this specific aspect of materials science and engineering, Introduction to Dislocations is a key resource for students. The book provides students and practitioners with the fundamental principles required to understand dislocations. Comprised of 10 chapters, the text includes advanced computer modeling and very high-resolution electron microscopy to help readers better understand the structure of atoms close to the core of dislocations. It shows that atomic arrangement has a significant effect on the formation of dislocations and thereby on the properties of solids. The first two chapters of the book present an overview of dislocations. The crystal structures and the various defects and dislocations are discussed, and methods of observation and diagnosis of dislocations are covered. Chapters 3 to 5 discuss the behavior of dislocations and explain how changes in the structure and arrangement of atoms can affect the behavior of dislocations. The three chapters also discuss the mechanical properties of dislocations. The remaining chapters offer a detailed discussion of the mechanisms of dislocations and the mechanical strength of crystalline solids. The book is written for undergraduate- and graduate-level students in both materials science and mechanical engineering. Non-experts and novices working on mechanical properties, mechanisms of deformation and fracture, and properties of materials, as well as industrial and academic researchers, will find this book invaluable.

This fully expanded and updated edition provides both scientists and engineers with all the information they need to understand composite materials, covering their underlying science and technological usage. It includes four completely new chapters on surface coatings, highly porous materials, bio-composites and nano-composites, as well as thoroughly revised chapters on fibres and matrices, the design, fabrication and production of composites, mechanical and thermal properties, and industry applications. Extensively expanded referencing engages readers with the latest research and industrial developments in the field, and increased coverage of essential background science makes this a valuable self-contained text. A comprehensive set of homework questions, with model answers available online, explains how calculations associated with the properties of composite materials should be tackled, and educational software accompanying the book is available online. An invaluable text for final-year undergraduates in materials science and engineering, and graduate students and researchers in academia and industry.