Over the years, a variety of experimental techniques have been developed for characterizing the physical and chemical properties of materials. Unfortunately due to a number of simplifying assumptions and limitations on the use of individual methods, it is not often possible to describe in a qualitative, reliable way the microstructural features of many materials. Triangulation of different experimental methods as well as computer simulations may become essential to achieve a thorough, comprehensive analysis. Simulations can contribute to the understanding of the phenomena and to provide a good basis for the development of durable materials and components which can withstand ambient and extreme environmental conditions.

The way forward in material characterisation is to develop new experimental techniques or apply existing methodologies adopted from other related disciplines. A very wide range of materials, starting with metals through polymers, semiconductors to composites, necessitates a whole spectrum of experimental techniques and numerical models, which are specific for material types. Some of these well established methodologies could potentially find applications in new fields. In this context a multidisciplinary approach in material characterisation and the exchange of original ideas is indispensible.

The aim of  the International Conference on Computational Methods and Experiments in Materials Characterisation held in Kos, Greece, 2011 was therefore to facilitate such interdisciplinary interactions within the research community. The resulting conference book has been arranged in several chapters addressing various experimental and numerical methods. The wide range of topics covers mechanical characterisation and testing, corrosion problems and thermal analysis as well as recycled materials, nano-composites and energy materials.