Layered materials and systems based on metallic, intermetallic, polymeric and ceramic constituents have become increasingly important in meeting the structural requirements of current and future high-performance products. This book brings together investigators from industry, academia and government to focus on the structural applications of layered systems. Thermal barrier coatings, aircraft structural components and wear-resistant coatings for a wide variety of applications are highlighted. Processing techniques such as EB deposition, reactive sputter deposition, sedimentation processing, pressureless cosintering and rapid prototyping via laminated object manufacturing are also covered. And while microstability issues are addressed, they appear to be a critical area where further investigation is required. The largest number of papers focus on the mechanical behavior and modelling of layered systems and reveal significant effects of layer thickness, spacing and constituent properties on the fracture and fatigue behavior of such systems. Topics include: applications; processing; stability issues and mechanical behavior.