Different physical models for the Snoek-type relaxation in ternary systems (Fe-C-Me) are analyzed from the viewpoint of a distance of interatomic interaction taken into account: For non-saturated from the viewpoint of overlapping of interatomic interaction in b.c.c. alloys the physically sufficient and optimal for the computer simulation is the short-range model, which takes into account the interatomic interaction and the average amount of substitutional atoms in the first coordination shell, only. For high alloyed b.c.c. systems (i.e. with the overlapped interatomic interaction) the carbon atom undergoes an interaction of a few substitutional atoms simultaneously. That leads to the appearance of one broadened Snoek peak. Activation energy of such a peak is summed from the "elastic" and "chemical" interatomic interactions. Experimental results for alloys with b.c.c. solid solution structure and its computer simulations allow to introduce the new criterion for the high alloy state of monophase steels: the high alloyed state corresponds to the situation when substitutional atoms can not be considered any longer as the isolated atoms. From the viewpoint of mechanical spectroscopy this situation corresponds to the appearance of one broadened IF Snoek-type peak instead of two peaks existed for the steels with lower substitutional atom concentration.

The papers published in these peer-reviewed proceedings represent the latest developments in nondestructive characterization of materials and were presented at the Tenth International Symposium on Nondestructive Characterization of Materials held on June 26 - 30, 2000 in Karuizawa, Japan. The symposium was held concurrently with three other symposia and one workshop. This symposium is the tenth in the series that began in 1983 and became an international meeting in 1986.The symposium started with a Plenary Lecture entitled 'Application of Non-contact Ultrasonics to Nondestrctive Characterization of Materials' by Professor R.E. Green, Jr. Various characterization methods were presented at the symposium, including ultrasonics, X-ray, eddy currents, laser, thermal wave, acoustic emission, optical fibers, optics, magnetics and ultrasonic microscope. Thin films and coatings as well as smart materials were also emphasized in this symposium.

The papers published in these proceedings represent the latest developments in the nondestructive characterization of materials and were presented at the Eleventh International Symposium on Nondestructive Characterization of Materials held in June 2002, in Berlin, Germany.

This book constitutes the Proceedings of the 26th Symposium on Acoustical Imaging held inWindsor, Ontario, Canada during September 9-12, 2001. This traditional scientific event is recognized as a premier forum for the presentation of advanced research results in both theoretical and experimental development. The lAIS was conceived at a 1967Acoustical Holography meeting in the USA. Since then, these traditional symposia provide an opportunity for specialists who are working in this area to make new acquaintances, renew old friendships and present recent results of their research. Our Symposium has grown significantly in size due to a broad interest in various topics and to the quality of the presentations. For the firsttime in 40 years, the IAIS was held in the province of Ontario in Windsor, Canada's Automotive Capital and City of Roses. The 26th IAIS attracted over 100specialists from 13countries representing this interdisciplinary field in physical acoustics, image processing, applied mathematics, solid-state physics, biology and medicine, industrial applications and quality control technologies. The 26th lAIS was organized in the traditional way with only one addition-a Special Session "History of Acoustical Imaging" with the involvement of such well known scientists as Andrew Briggs, Noriyoshi Chubachi, Robert Green Jr., Joie Jones, Kenneth Erikson, and Bernhard Tittmann. Many of these speakers are well known scientists in their fields and we would like to thank them for making this session extremely successful.

Ultrasonic methods have been very popular in nondestructive testing and characterization of materials. This book deals with both industrial ultrasound and medical ultrasound. The advantages of ultrasound include flexibility, low cost, in-line operation, and providing data in both signal and image formats for further analysis. The book devotes 11 chapters to ultrasonic methods. However, ultrasonic methods can be much less effective with some applications. So the book also has 14 chapters catering to other or advanced methods for nondestructive testing or material characterization. Topics like structural health monitoring, Terahertz methods, X-ray and thermography methods are presented. Besides different sensors for nondestructive testing, the book places much emphasis on signal/image processing and pattern recognition of the signals acquired.

The 43 papers describe new techniques for characterizing the location and size of cracks, the extent of water absorption in adhesives and other polymers, neutron-induced losses of fracture toughness in reactor steels, and the weathering of concrete. They also present applications to structures that for economic reasons are being used well past their design lives. Special emphasis is given to the structural health of concrete, defects in high- strength aircraft materials, and steels in nuclear reactors. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

An innovative resource for materials properties, their evaluation, and industrial applications The Handbook of Materials Selection provides information and insight that can be employed in any discipline or industry to exploit the full range of materials in use today-metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. This comprehensive organization of the materials selection process includes analytical approaches to materials selection and extensive information about materials available in the marketplace, sources of properties data, procurement and data management, properties testing procedures and equipment, analysis of failure modes, manufacturing processes and assembly techniques, and applications. Throughout the handbook, an international roster of contributors with a broad range of experience conveys practical knowledge about materials and illustrates in detail how they are used in a wide variety of industries. With more than 100 photographs of equipment and applications, as well as hundreds of graphs, charts, and tables, the Handbook of Materials Selection is a valuable reference for practicing engineers and designers, procurement and data managers, as well as teachers and students.