Engineering alloy design, processing and selection

Engineering alloys play a vital role in modern society. In almost all structural applications the principle loads are carried by engineering alloys. The reasons underlying this choice are discussed and the general methodology used to choose a material for use in a new application is presented. The link between processing, microstructure and properties is emphasized. A selection of engineering alloys, including steels (carbon, alloy, stainless, dual-phase, TRIP/TWIP), cast irons, aluminium, magnesium, titanium, nickel and cobalt-based superalloys and zirconium alloys, is discussed. The state-of-the-art approaches to the design and development of new alloys for the 21st century are outlined.