Michael Ashby

Michael F. Ashby is a prominent materials scientist and engineer known for his extensive work in materials selection and design. His research and publications have significantly influenced how engineers approach materials science, particularly through his development of material selection methods and material property charts. Ashby served as a professor at the University of Cambridge's Engineering Department and became a Royal Society Research Professor. He developed the widely-used Ashby charts (also known as material selection charts or property diagrams), which help engineers systematically select materials for specific applications. His textbooks, including "Materials Selection in Mechanical Design" and "Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design," are standard references in engineering education worldwide. The CES EduPack software, which he helped develop, has become an essential tool for materials education and selection in universities and industry. As recognition for his contributions to materials science and engineering, Ashby has received numerous awards including the Royal Medal from the Royal Society and the Bessemer Gold Medal from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Engineering students and professionals value Ashby's clear explanations of complex materials science concepts. His textbooks receive strong reviews for their systematic approach to materials selection. What readers liked: - Clear diagrams and visual aids that explain material properties - Practical examples from real engineering applications - Comprehensive coverage of materials selection methodology - Integration with CES EduPack software for hands-on learning What readers disliked: - Dense technical content requires significant background knowledge - Some find the writing style dry and academic - High textbook prices - Software access issues with older editions Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.2/5 (127 ratings for "Materials Selection in Mechanical Design") - Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) One engineering student noted: "The Ashby charts revolutionized how I approach materials selection." A professional engineer commented: "The material property charts are invaluable for comparing options, though the text can be overwhelming for beginners."

Materials and Design A comprehensive guide on materials science, engineering principles, and their role in product design and manufacturing.

Materials Selection in Mechanical Design A systematic methodology for choosing materials in engineering applications, including analysis of material properties and performance requirements.

Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design An examination of materials engineering fundamentals, covering material properties, processing methods, and design considerations.

Engineering Materials 1: An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design A detailed exploration of engineering materials' fundamental properties and their practical applications in design.

Engineering Materials 2: An Introduction to Microstructures and Processing An analysis of material microstructures and processing methods, focusing on their effects on material properties.

Materials and the Environment: Eco-informed Material Choice An investigation of environmental impacts in material selection, including lifecycle assessment and sustainable design practices.

Materials: A Very Short Introduction A concise overview of materials science, covering basic principles and modern applications.

Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design An integration of materials science with industrial design principles, examining both technical and aesthetic considerations.

William McDonough designs sustainable architecture and writes about materials, manufacturing, and circular economy principles. His work "Cradle to Cradle" established frameworks for ecological design that align with Ashby's materials science approach.

Kevin Ulrich writes engineering textbooks focused on materials selection and mechanical design processes. His publications include detailed property charts and selection matrices similar to those found in Ashby's work.

Janine Benyus explores biomimicry and how natural materials can inform engineering design choices. Her research examines material efficiency in nature and provides case studies of bio-inspired materials applications.

David Talbot covers materials science developments and their impact on technology and society. He investigates emerging materials technologies and their practical applications across industries.

Henry Petroski analyzes engineering failures and the evolution of materials in design. His books examine how materials selection influences product development and engineering outcomes.