The Science and Engineering of Materials

I really don't understand the many negative reviews here. This textbook is for sophomore and junior engineering students, and it serves its function well. The chapter titles are: 1. Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering 2. Atomic Structure 3. Atomic and Ionic Arrangements 4. Imperfections in the Atomic and Ionic Arrangements 5. Atom and Ion Movements in Materials 6. Mechanical Properties: Part One 7. Mechanical Properties: Part Two 8. Strain Hardening and Annealing 9. Principles of Solidification 10. Solid Solutions and Phase Equilibrium 11. Dispersion Strengthening and Eutectic Phase Diagrams 12. Dispersion Strengthening by Phase Transformation and Heat Treatment 13. Heat Treatment of Steels and Cast Irons 14. Nonferrous Alloys 15. Ceramic Materials 16. Polymers 17. Composites: Teamwork and Synergy in Materials 18. Construction Materials 19. Electronic Materials 20. Magnetic Materials 21. Photonic Materials 22. Thermal Properties of Materials 23. Corrosion and Wear There are many example solved problems, which is good because there is no Schaum's Outline for Materials Science and Engineering. Each chapter has an introduction, glossary of terms, summary, and an extensive problem set, including computer projects. Thankfully, the authors focus on applications, not theory (which is often bogus anyway). I found relatively few typos: one, a howler, is on p. 788, where the authors say "grain" where they mean "gram", and the symbol for specific heat should be in lower case, not upper case. There are many tables and diagrams. There are answers to the odd problems, and the index is detailed. One item missing, however, is a list of useful references/bibliography for materials scientists and engineers. I've used the '76 Materials Engineering Selector for many years--I don't know of any more recent publications, and it would be helpful if Askeland and Phule would provide an up-to-date list of sources for materials scientists and engineers.

Compared to Callister and Ashby, and here's why.I agree with arthem, that this book doesn't go into enough detail for the person that wants to know "why". But it's not supposed to. It is by no means a chemistry book, so you have to have a SOLID chemistry background/understanding/feeling or you might have a hard time. It takes more of the "cookbook", need-to-know, macroscopic approach, whereas Callister is more of the theory. My first materials course used the Askeland book, and the third used Callister, and I found it effective to get the overview, then go into the "why" details later. My TA's and Prof's hated Askeland's style, but I don't think they appreciated what it brought to the table....understanding. Understand the concept (i.e. more carbon makes steel stronger), then learn why.Either of them are better than Ashby. I'd write a review on Ashby's books, but that means to be fair I'd have to dig them out, and I'm hoping rats ate them. Too bad too, my profs were rather fond of Ashby.I have to reserve a star for this book, because with a little more info it would be that much better. That, and I remember as a student, the problems were tough, tougher than the text prepared you for.Which reminds me, my exam questions frequently came out of this text in subsequent classes. Ironic since the prof's hated this book. hmm.

The book contains all the information you need to know on materials. Information is provided in a well-organized format that readers will understand the materials structure, processing and property relationships. Although the book tend to focus on mostly metal-alloy, polymers, ceramics, composite and electronics materials were also included. The book is very good reference book for anybody who are involved with materials.