Phase Transitions in Ferroelastic and Co-elastic Crystals (Cambridge Topics in Mineral Physics and Chemistry)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 296 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press June 25, 1993
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521429366
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521429368
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Product Review
"the author is admired for integrating the subject at its infancy; the book describes phenomena, domain structures, and theories of phase transition and wall mobility, with generous illustrations of geologically interesting materials. The first few chapters are suitable for general reading, the level being similar to the articles in Scientific American. The more persistent readers will benefit from later chapters and a long bibliography of known co-elastic crystals. I strongly recommend this book to all science and engineering libraries, as well as to anyone who wishes to learn ferroelasticity." Z. Suo, PAGEOPH

Product Description
Many materials used in industry are crystals. These crystals often show anomalies, such as sudden softening or embrittlement at certain temperatures. If controlled, such behavior can be extremely useful, for manufacturing and high-technology applications. This is one of the first books to describe the recently determined physical origins of such behavior, and provides an insight into the important thermodynamic principles and microstructural properties involved. It starts with the fundamental principles of structural phase transitions in materials. Ferroelasticity, twinning and related microstructures are then described. Landau-type theories of phase transitions are introduced, together with details of elastic and specific heat anomalies, the formation of spontaneous strain, and the generation of solitary waves at temperatures close to the transition point.