This volume, the sixth in a continuing series, presents cutting edge multidisciplinary work on the characterization of ancient materials; the technologies of selection, production and usage by which materials are transformed into objects and artifacts; the science underlying their deterioration, preservation and conservation; and sociocultural interpretation derived from an empirical methodology of observation, measurement and experimentation. Preserving cultural heritage extends beyond artifact preservation to developing a critical understanding of how ancient people used technology and craft to solve problems of survival and organization and to make symbols or representations of what was important in their world, especially for its maintenance, longevity and beautification. Of particular interest in this volume are contributions which explore the interface and overlap among traditional materials science, the history of technology and the archaeological and conservation sciences, or that investigate new methods and applications of materials science in art and archaeology. Topics include: conservation and preservation science; preservation-design, characterization and assessment; characterization-new methods and improved techniques; archaeological science and archaeometry; site formation, site analysis, resource survey and organization of technology; weathering, dating, technology and authentication; archaeomaterials, technology and society; replicative experiments, synthesis of materials and model systems; historic technologies; and ancient technology and modern craft.

The MRS Symposium Proceeding series is an internationally recognised reference suitable for researchers and practitioners.

"Scientific Investigation of Copies, Fakes and Forgeries is a comprehensive guide to the technical and scientific study of the authenticity of a wide range of antiquities and artworks. It is the first book to provide a full survey of the subject of forgery from a scientific basis, examining a wide range of materials and techniques." "The demand for copies, fakes and forgeries is driven by rising prices in an international marketplace. The book examines the available new technologies and ever more sophisticated forging techniques, looking at production and distribution of fraudulent artworks. The subject is exemplified by numerous internationally based case studies, some turning out not to be as conclusive as is sometimes believed." "The book is aimed at those who need to understand the available approaches to and methods of scientific and technical authentication, be they curator, collector, conservator or scientist." --Book Jacket.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is of worldwide significance, and is strongly related to the detection of damage in engineering structures (buildings, bridges, aircrafts, ships, pressure vessels, etc.) using non-invasive techniques (ultrasound, X-rays, Radar, neutrons, thermography, vibrations, acoustic emission, etc.). Emerging Technologies in Non-D

Traditionally the vast majority of materials characterization techniques have been destructive, e. g. , chemical compositional analysis, metallographic determination of microstructure, tensile test measurement of mechanical properties, etc. Also, traditionally, nondestructive techniques have been used almost exclusively for the detection of macroscopic defects, mostly cracks, in structures and devices which have already been constructed and have already been in service for an extended period of time. Following these conventional nondestructive tests, it has been common practice to use somewhat arbitrary accept-reject criteria to decide whether or not the structure or device should be removed from service. The present unfavorable status of a large segment of industry, coupled with the desire to keep structures in service well past their original design life, dramatically show that our traditional approaches must be drastically modified if we are to be able to meet future needs. The role of nondestructive characterization of materials is changing and will continue to change dramatically. It has become increasingly evident that it is both practical and cost effective to expand the role of nondestructive evaluation to include all aspects of materials' production and application and to introduce it much earlier in the manufacturing cycle. In fact, the recovery of a large portion of industry from severe economic problems is dependent, in part, on the successful implementation of this expanded role.