Characterisation is the connection between an abstract material model and its realworld behaviour. It allows prediction of the response of the material under an arbitrary set of conditions based on a finite series of tests. In some cases, the model does not have a closed-form solution, but is cast in terms of differential equations that are solved numerically. The solutions for a particular set of boundary conditions can be related to a set of material parameters that characterise the material.

Bringing together the work of experts in many fields of engineering, materials and computational science, this book aims to provide useful information to practitioners in the materials research area.

This volume features a selection of contributions originally presented at the Second International Conference on Materials Characterisation, divided under the following sections:

MICROSTRUCTURES – Composites; Alloys; Ceramics; Cements; Foams; Suspensions; Biomaterials; Thin Films; Coatings.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS - Optical Imaging; SEM, TEM; X-Ray Microtomography; Ultrasonic Techniques; NMR / MRI; Micro/Nano Indentation; Thermal Analysis; Surface Chemistry.

COMPUTATIONAL METHODS - Continuum Methods (FEM, FV, BEM); Particle Models (MD, DPD, Lattice-Boltzmann); Montecarlo Methods; Cellular Automata; Hybrid Multiscale Methods; Damage Mechanics.