This indispensable handbook provides comprehensive coverage of the current state-of-the-art in inorganic, organic, and composite aerogels – from synthesis and characterization to cutting-edge applications and their potential market impact. Built upon Springer’s successful Aerogels Handbook published in 2011, this handbook features extensive revisions and timely updates, reflecting the changes in this fast-growing field.

The Springer Handbook of Nanomaterials covers the description of materials which have dimension on the "nanoscale". The description of the nanomaterials in this Handbook follows the thorough but concise explanation of the synergy of structure, properties, processing and applications of the given material. The Handbook mainly describes materials in their solid phase; exceptions might be e.g. small sized liquid aerosols or gas bubbles in liquids. The materials are organized by their dimensionality. Zero dimensional structures collect clusters, nanoparticles and quantum dots, one dimensional are nanowires and nanotubes, while two dimensional are represented by thin films and surfaces. The chapters in these larger topics are written on a specific materials and dimensionality combination, e.g. ceramic nanowires. Chapters are authored by well-established and well-known scientists of the particular field. They have measurable part of publications and an important role in establishing new knowledge of the particular field.

This book presents the peridynamic theory, which provides the capability for improved modeling of progressive failure in materials and structures, and paves the way for addressing multi-physics and multi-scale problems. The book provides students and researchers with a theoretical and practical knowledge of the peridynamic theory and the skills required to analyze engineering problems. The text may be used in courses such as Multi-physics and Multi-scale Analysis, Nonlocal Computational Mechanics, and Computational Damage Prediction. Sample algorithms for the solution of benchmark problems are available so that the reader can modify these algorithms, and develop their own solution algorithms for specific problems. Students and researchers will find this book an essential and invaluable reference on the topic.

Introduction to Thermoelectricity is the latest work by Professor Julian Goldsmid drawing on his 55 years experience in the field. The theory of the thermoelectric and related phenomena is presented in sufficient detail to enable researchers to understand their observations and develop improved thermoelectric materials. The methods for the selection of materials and their improvement are discussed. Thermoelectric materials for use in refrigeration and electrical generation are reviewed. Experimental techniques for the measurement of properties and for the production of thermoelements are described. Special emphasis is placed on nanotechnology which promises to yield great improvements in the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. Chapters are also devoted to transverse thermoelectric effects and thermionic energy conversion, both techniques offering the promise of important applications in the future.

Modern energetic materials include explosives, blasting powders, pyrotechnic m- tures and rocket propellants [1, 2]. The study of high-temperature decomposition of condensed phases of propellants and their components (liquid, solid and hybrid) is currently of special importance for the development of space-system engineering [3, 4]. To better understand the burning mechanisms (stationary, nonstationary, - steady) of composite solid propellants and their components, information about the macrokinetics of their high-temperature decomposition is required [5]. To be able to evaluate the ignition parameters and conditions of safe handling of heat-affected explosives, one needs to know the kinetic constants of their high-temperature - composition. The development of new composite solid propellants characterized by high performance characteristics (high burning rates, high thermal stability, stability to intrachamber perturbations, and other aspects) is not possible without quanti- tive data on the high-temperature decomposition of composite solid propellants and their components [6]. The same reasons have resulted in signi?cant theoretical and practical interest in the high-temperature decomposition of components of hybrid propellants. It is known that hybrid propellants have not been used very widely due to the low bu- ing (pyrolysis) rates of the polymer blocks in the combustion chambers of hybrid rocket engines. To increase the burning rates it is necessary to obtain information about their relationships to the corresponding kinetic and thermophysical prop- ties of the fuels.

The book presents the underlying theories of the different approaches for modeling cracking of concrete and provides a critical survey of the state-of-the-art in computational concrete mechanics. It covers a broad spectrum of topics related to modeling of cracks, including continuum-based and discrete crack models, meso-scale models, advanced discretization strategies to capture evolving cracks based on the concept of finite elements with embedded discontinuities and on the extended finite element method, and extensions to coupled problems such a hygro-mechanical problems as required in computational durability analyses of concrete structures.

Fracture mechanics is a vast and growing field. This book develops the basic elements needed for both fracture research and engineering practice. The emphasis is on continuum mechanics models for energy flows and crack-tip stress- and deformation fields in elastic and elastic-plastic materials. In addition to a brief discussion of computational fracture methods, the text includes practical sections on fracture criteria, fracture toughness testing, and methods for measuring stress intensity factors and energy release rates. Class-tested at Cornell, this book is designed for students, researchers and practitioners interested in understanding and contributing to a diverse and vital field of knowledge.

This book presents the novel concept of plaston, which accounts for the high ductility or large plastic deformation of emerging high-performance structural materials, including bulk nanostructured metals, hetero-nanostructured materials, metallic glasses, intermetallics, and ceramics.

This volume comprises the select peer-reviewed proceedings of the International Conference on Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges (ICNOC22). It aims to provide a comprehensive and broad-spectrum picture of the state-of-the-art research and development in nanomaterials, nanocomposites, nanobiosensors, nanochemistry, renewable energy, nanochemistry in medicine, batteries and supercapacitors, targeted cellular therapies, among others. This volume will be useful for researchers and professionals working in nanotechnology and allied fields.

This book presents the novel concept of plaston, which accounts for the high ductility or large plastic deformation of emerging high-performance structural materials, including bulk nanostructured metals, hetero-nanostructured materials, metallic glasses, intermetallics, and ceramics.

This collection explores all aspects of metallurgical processing, materials behavior, and microstructural performance for the distinct class of 718-type superalloys and derivatives. Technical topics focus on alloy and process development, production, product applications, trends, and the development of advanced modeling tools. New developments in R&D, new processing methods, 3D printing, and other nontraditional applications also are covered.

This book gathers the latest advances, innovations and applications in the field of sustainable construction materials and structures, as presented by leading international researchers and engineers at the 14th International scientific conference “Modern Building Materials, Structures and Techniques” (MBMST 2023), held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 5–6 October 2023. It covers topics such as modern building materials and their production technologies; investigation and design of reinforced concrete, steel, glass, timber and composite structures; innovative calculation techniques for bridges; geotechnics; new building technologies and management; and building information modelling. The contributions, which were selected through a rigorous international peer-reviewed process, share exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster new multidisciplinary collaborations.

This book presents a state-of-the-art overview of the major aspects involved in the science, technology and applications of ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics. After providing an historical perspective of the development and use of ceramics and glasses along the Silk Road, the theoretical background and fabrication techniques of such materials are described and discussed.

This book reviews the recent scientific developments on mining and metallurgical wastes-based alkali-activated materials (MMWAAMs). Enormous quantities of solid wastes are generated during the exploitation of ore deposits and the subsequent processing for materials, causing serious environmental problems. Alkali activation is one of the robust technologies that converts mining and metallurgical wastes into value-added materials and offers technological solutions for efficient stabilization of toxic components in mining and metallurgical wastes. Herein, this book presents the development of the design, processing routes, and performances of mining and metallurgical waste-based alkali-activated materials. It highlights in detail the relationships between the physicochemical characteristics of the source materials and the properties of synthesized binders. From the durability perspective, both the applicability of testing protocols and degradation mechanisms are also reviewed with significant experimental and modeling work presented. Furthermore, the transformation paths of initially toxic components during alkali activation, partitioning characteristics, as well as the assemblages of solubility-controlling mineral phases are discussed for detailed environmental compatibility evaluation. In addition, applications and perspectives for future directions of mining and metallurgical wastes-based alkali-activated materials are illustrated. By bringing state-of-the-art knowledge, this book appeals to a broad readership, particularly researchers engaged in material and environmental science, mining and metallurgical engineering, and other related fields.

This book provides the latest fundamental and practical advances in reducing the built environment’s carbon footprint based on a collection of papers presented at the 1st International Conference on Net-Zero Built Environment: Innovations in Materials, Structures, and Management Practices, held June 19-21, 2024, in Oslo, Norway.