Fully revised and updated, the new edition of this classic textbook places a stronger emphasis on real-world test data and trains students in practical materials applications; introduces new testing techniques such as micropillar compression and electron back scatted diffraction; and presents new coverage of biomaterials, electronic materials, and cellular materials alongside established coverage of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites. Retaining its distinctive emphasis on a balanced mechanics-materials approach, it presents fundamental mechanisms operating at micro- and nanometer scales across a wide range of materials, in a way that is mathematically simple and requires no extensive knowledge of materials, and demonstrates how these microstructures determine the mechanical properties of materials. Accompanied by online resources for instructors, and including over 40 new figures, over 100 worked examples, and over 740 exercises, including over 280 new exercises, this remains the ideal introduction for senior undergraduate and graduate students in materials science and engineering.

This accessible text is an introduction to the theory of phase transitions and its application to real materials. Assuming some familiarity with thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, the book begins with a primer on the thermodynamics of equilibrium phase transitions, including the mean-field and Ginzburg-Landau approaches. The general kinetic features and dynamics of phase transitions are explained, ensuring that readers are familiar with the key physical concepts. With the foundations established, the general theory is applied to the study of phase transitions in a wide range of materials including ferroic materials, caloric materials, liquid crystals and glasses. Non-equilibrium phase transitions, superconductors and quantum phase transitions are also covered. Including exercises throughout and solutions available online, this text is suitable for graduate courses as well as researchers in physics and materials science seeking a primer on popular and emerging research topics.