Materials and Contact Characterisation

Material and contact characterisation is a rapidly advancing field that requires the application of a combination of numerical and experimental methods. Including papers from the International Conference on Computational Methods and Experiments in Material and Contact Characterisation this volume presents the latest research in the field. Contributions come from both industry and research communities using computational methods and performing experiments.Demand for high quality production from both industry and consumers has led to rapid developments in materials science and engineering. Current research is focussed on modification technologies that can increase the surface durability of materials. The characteristics of the system reveal which surface engineering methods should be chosen and as a consequence it is essential to study the combination of surface treatment and contact mechanics.The accurate characterisation of the physical and chemical properties of materials requires the application of both experimental techniques and computer simulation methods in order to gain a correct analysis. A very wide range of materials, starting with metals through polymers and semiconductors to composites, necessitates a whole spectrum of characteristic experimental techniques and research methods.The papers in this book examine various combinations of techniques and refer to such topics as: Computer methods and simulation; Experimental and measurement techniques; Mechanical characterisation and testing; Materials under extreme conditions; Polymers and plastics; Advances in composites; Micro and macro characterisation; Corrosion and erosion; Damage, fatigue and fracture; Recycled materials; Materials and energy; Surface problems and contact mechanics; Surface modification and treatments; Thick and thin coatings; Tribomechanics and wear mechanics; Biomechanical characterisation; Biomechanical applications and Case studies.