This is the second book in a new series - "Materials Research and Engineering" - devoted to the science and technology of materials. "Materials Research and Engineering" evolves from a previous series on "Reine und Allgemeine Metallkunde," which was edited by Werner KBster until his eightieth birthday in 1976. Although the present series is an outgrowth of the earlier one, it should not and cannot be regarded as a continuation. There had to be a shift of scope - and a change in presenta tion as well. Metallurgy is no longer an isolated art and science. Rather, it is linked by its scientific basis and technological implications to non-metallic and composite materials, as well as to processes for production, refining, shaping, surface treatment, and application. Thus, the new series, "Materials Research and Engineering," will present up-to-date information on scientific and technological pro gress, as well as on issues of general relevance within the engineering field and industrial society. Following the general position analysis of materials in the present world as given in volume 1, now volume 2 focuses on a special topic: It provides a thorough treatment of theoretical, experimental, and applied aspects of superplasticity."