📖 Overview
Materials Selection in Mechanical Design presents systematic methods for choosing optimal materials and processes for engineering applications. The text establishes a framework based on material properties, functional requirements, and quantitative selection techniques.
The book combines materials science fundamentals with practical engineering considerations and real-world case studies. Charts, diagrams and material property data support the selection methodology, while examples demonstrate the decision-making process across diverse engineering scenarios.
Multiple chapters focus on specific material categories including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The work also addresses economic factors, environmental impact, and manufacturing constraints that influence materials selection.
This technical reference serves as both an educational tool and professional resource, emphasizing rational decision-making approaches to materials engineering challenges. The systematic methodology has applications across industries and continues to evolve with new materials and design requirements.
👀 Reviews
Engineering students and professionals value this text for its systematic approach to materials selection and its practical charts/graphs. Many reviewers highlight the "materials selection charts" as powerful visual tools that help compare material properties.
Likes:
- Clear methodology for selecting materials based on constraints
- Data visualization aids decision-making
- Relevant case studies and examples
- Strong focus on real engineering applications
Dislikes:
- Dense academic writing style
- Advanced math prerequisites needed
- High price point
- Some readers found digital editions hard to navigate
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (47 reviews)
One reviewer notes: "The Ashby charts alone are worth the investment." Another states: "Complex concepts but the systematic method works."
Common criticism focuses on accessibility: "Not for beginners - requires solid materials science background" and "Text can be dry and theoretical at times."
📚 Similar books
Engineering Materials: An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design by Michael Ashby, Hugh Shercliff, and David Cebon
The text bridges theoretical materials science with practical engineering applications through case studies and selection methodologies.
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, David G. Rethwisch The book connects material properties to structural applications through comprehensive material selection charts and engineering design examples.
Materials Selection in Engineering Design by Peter R. Lewis The work presents systematic approaches to materials selection using performance indices and material property charts for engineering applications.
Mechanical Behavior of Materials by Norman E. Dowling The text links material properties to mechanical design through analysis of material behavior under various loading conditions.
Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design by Michael Ashby, Hugh Shercliff, and David Cebon The book integrates materials science fundamentals with engineering design principles through material property maps and selection methods.
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, David G. Rethwisch The book connects material properties to structural applications through comprehensive material selection charts and engineering design examples.
Materials Selection in Engineering Design by Peter R. Lewis The work presents systematic approaches to materials selection using performance indices and material property charts for engineering applications.
Mechanical Behavior of Materials by Norman E. Dowling The text links material properties to mechanical design through analysis of material behavior under various loading conditions.
Materials: Engineering, Science, Processing and Design by Michael Ashby, Hugh Shercliff, and David Cebon The book integrates materials science fundamentals with engineering design principles through material property maps and selection methods.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Michael Ashby's materials selection methodology, introduced in this book, revolutionized how engineers choose materials by using material property charts (now known as "Ashby diagrams") that visually map performance characteristics.
🔹 The book's principles have been incorporated into specialized software called CES EduPack (now Ansys Granta EduPack), used by over 1,000 universities worldwide for teaching materials selection.
🔹 Prof. Ashby has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Royal Society's Royal Medal and the European Society for Engineering Education's Leonardo da Vinci Medal for his contributions to engineering education.
🔹 The materials selection process described in the book was influenced by Ashby's work with companies like Rolls-Royce, where he helped develop methods to choose materials for jet engine components.
🔹 The book's case studies include unexpected examples like analyzing materials used in Viking swords and prehistoric tools, demonstrating how materials science principles apply across historical contexts.