Materials and Contact Characterisation IX

Book excerpt: Including papers from the 9th edition of the International Conference on Computational Methods and Experiments in Material and Contact Characterisation this volume presents the work of selected researchers on the subject. Material and contact characterisation is a rapidly advancing field and this volume contains the latest research. Of particular interest to industry and society is the knowledge of surface treatment and contact mechanics of these materials to determine the in-service behaviour of components subject to contact conditions. Modern society requires systems that operate at conditions that use resources effectively. In terms of components durability, the understanding of surface engineering wear frictional and lubrication dynamics has never been so important. 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 the book cover a number of topics, including: 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.