A vast range of material is used in modern engineering practice. In this book it will be possible to consider only broad groups of materials,the ways in which they are applied and the properties that make them suitable for these applications. This subject is a very wide one,but it is felt that all students of engineering science should have at least some knowledge of it.
Solid materials can be conveniently grouped under four main headings:
Ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals
Plastics
Ceramics