"This book provides an insight into the mechanical behaviour and testing of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites, which are widely employed for structural applications under varying loads, temperatures and environments. Organized in 13 chapters, this book begins with explaining the fundamentals of materials, their basic building units, atomic bonding and crystal structure, further describing the role of imperfections on the behaviour of metals and alloys. The book then explains dislocation theory in a simplified yet analytical manner. The destructive and non-destructive testing methods are discussed, and the interpreted test data are then examined critically."--Publisher's description.