Fractal analysis has rapidly become an important field in materials science and engineering with broad applications to theoretical analysis and quantitative description of microstructures of materials. Fractal methods have thus far shown great potential in engineering applications in quantitative microscopic analysis of materials using commercial microscopes.
This book attempts to introduce the fundamentals and the basis methods of fractal description of microstructures in combination with digital imaging and computer technologies. Basic concepts are given in the form of mathematical...

The term rapid prototyping (RP) refers to a generic group of emerging technologies that enable very quick fabrication of engineering components primarily targeted for prototyping applications. With RP, very complex three- dimensional parts or prototypes can be fabricated without the need of costly tooling and machining. This inevitably leads to much shorter design cycle time and lower cost of building a prototype. Its manifold benefits include significant productivity gains, cost saving, and shortened development time to introduce concept models. As such, RP technologies have attracted...

Mechanical alloying (or mechanical milling) was invented in the 1970's as a method to develop dispersion-strengthened high temperature alloys with unique properties. With the discovery of formation of amorphous alloys using this technique, it has received new research interest in developing different material systems. Potential applications of this technique have been demonstrated in different areas of materials research. This book is intended as an introduction to mechanical alloying technique used in difference areas. This book contains basic information on the preparation of materials...