Written by a 32-year veteran of the field, this practical, understandable introduction to engineering materials theory and industry-standard selection practices provides students with the working knowledge to (1) make an informed selection of materials for engineering applications and (2) correctly specify materials on drawings and purchasing documents. Encompassing all significant material systems—metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites—the Sixth Edition incorporates the most up-to-date information on materials usage and availability, addresses the increasingly global nature of the field and reflects the suggestions of numerous adopters of previous editions.