Superalloys are unique high temperature materials used in gas turbine engines, which display excellent resistance to mechanical and chemical degradation. This is an introduction to the metallurgical principles which have guided their development. The topics of alloy design, process development, component engineering, lifetime estimation and materials behaviour are described, with emphasis on critical components such as turbine blading and discs. With exercises included it will provide a strong grounding for those studying physical metallurgy, as well as practising engineers. Solutions and additional resources are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521859042.