Materials Science Books

Four Laws That Drive the Universe

Peter Atkins

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: Oxford University Press, USA Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $10.01

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Professional Science -> Physics -> Thermodynamics
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Professional Science -> Physics -> General
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Professional Science -> Physics -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The laws of thermodynamics drive everything that happens in the universe. From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas to the cooling of hot metal, and from the unfurling of a leaf to the course of life itself--everything is moved or restrained by four simple laws. They establish fundamental concepts such as temperature and heat, and reveal the arrow of time and even the nature of energy itself.
Written by Peter Atkins, one of the worlds leading authorities on thermodynamics, this powerful and compact introduction explains what these four laws are and how they work, using accessible language and virtually no mathematics. Guiding the reader a step at a time, Atkins begins with Zeroth (so named because the first two laws were well established before scientists realized that a third law, relating to temperature, should precede them--hence the jocular name zeroth), and proceeds through the First, Second, and Third Laws, offering a clear account of concepts such as the availability of work and the conservation of energy. Atkins ranges from the fascinating theory of entropy (revealing how its unstoppable rise constitutes the engine of the universe), through the concept of free energy, and to the brink, and then beyond the brink, of absolute zero.
C.P. Snow once remarked that not knowing the second law of thermodynamics is like never having read a work by Shakespeare. This brief but brilliant book introduces general readers to one of the cornerstones of modern science, four laws that are as integral to the well-educated mind as such great dramatic works as Hamlet or Macbeth.

Building Construction Illustrated, 2nd Edition

Francis Ching

List Price: $39.95 By: John Wiley & Sons Inc Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $4.19

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

building construction illistrated 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Book is very good for research and beginners learning building construction. I have used the earlier editions often for research. But the 4th ed. the print and the size of font is smaller and lighter in color and is hard to read even which my glasses on.

One Of A Kind 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I am a 40 year + commercial real estate appraiser, real estate broker, property mananger, have participated in developing and remodeling offices and industrial properties. Have seen almost every publication offered by professional organizations, schools, public publishing companies. From beginners to those who have reached their business goals in real estate, this publication in in the upper ten percent. If I had to choose a single publication covering building construction, this one would be it.

Editorial Review:

The new edition builds upon the classic content of its predecessor by incorporating information on concrete, steel, and glazing technology, energy efficiency in buildings, moisture and thermal protection, natural lighting, masonry, and other topics. Any excess coverage of systems and technology no longer in common use has been streamlined. The organization, which follows the typical design process, has been retained in this edition. This book should be of interest to architects, building contractors.

Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature

Janine M. Benyus

List Price: $14.00 By: Perennial (HarperCollins) Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $9.25

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Materials Science -> General
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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Book End for Zero Waste, Brilliant Introduction 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

ON STRIKE UNTIL AMAZON STOPS DELETING FAVORABLE VOTES FROM FANS AND COUNTING NEGATIVE VOTES FROM THOSE WHO HATE THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE BOOK BEING REVIEWED MORE THAN THEY CARE ABOUT THE REVIEW.

I was introduced to this concept at BIONEERS, an annual event with satellite nodes convenient to all, and was just blown away. This book is a superb introduction to the common sense recognition that nature has over all the billions of years, figured out how to not only do stuff with energy efficiency, but also with a zero waste footprint.

Check out World Index for Social and Environmental Responsibility (WISER) for many other leads.

Other books that I recommend outside the standard ones that Amazon points to:
1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus
The Age of Missing Information
In the Absence of the Sacred: The Failure of Technology and the Survival of the Indian Nations
Getting to Zero Waste
High Tech Trash: Digital Devices, Hidden Toxics, and Human Health
High Noon: Twenty Global Problems, Twenty Years to Solve Them
The Future of Life

Editorial Review:

Biomimicry is a revolutionary new science that analyzes natures best ideas--spider silk and eyes, seashells and brain cells, photosynthesis and DNA--and adapts them for human use. Janine Benyus takes us into the lab and out in the field with the maverick researchers who are discovering natures ingenious solutions to the problem of human survival: studying leaves to learn how to make microscopic solar power packs that will clean up toxic spills and light our homes; harnessing DNAs coding power to make blindingly fast computers; discovering miracle drugs by observing what animals eat; and much more. The answers are there for the finding, poemlike in their elegance and economy.

Anyone interested in the people and ideas that are shaping our future must read this book to know where the most exciting revelations lie--literally all around us.

Boston's Gun Bible

Boston T. Party, Kenneth W. Royce

Amazon Price: $21.78 List Price: $33.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Javelin Press Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $21.78

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Subjects -> History -> Military Science
Subjects -> Law -> Criminal Law -> Law Enforcement
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Materials -> Metallurgy

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 93 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent technical manual with some impractical advice 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book gives the best information about the technical specifications and advantages of different guns than any other I have ever seen. It also gives a lot of information regarding the law, your rights, and which states are gun-friendly. There are also substantial portions of the author's philosophy written about in the book. Kenneth Royce is truly an expert on the subject of guns, and this book has changed my way of thinking forever. The most valuable part of the book, I believe, is the section dealing with the advantages and disadvantages of various guns. He thoroughly exhausted that subject. I recommend this book for everyone, not just gun owners. If you are a gun owner, I guarantee that this book will have some information you can use. If you're planning on becoming a gun owner, this book will help you decide which gun to buy first. If you're not sure, I believe this book will convince you you need a gun. If you are anti-gun, this book may very well change your mind-- if not with its philosophy, then with its statistics.

In the title of my review, I mentioned that there is some impractical advice in the book. Mr. Royce strongly encourages everyone to devote a major portion of their life and money to purchasing and training with guns. While it's fine to talk about different training ranches and expensive guns, Royce goes so far as to imply that if you don't do this, you're a fool. In reference to people who say that they can't afford a multi-thousand dollar sniper rifle, he responds, "how much protection can you afford not to have? Save money in other areas so you have enough to purchase guns." He says basically the same thing about expensive gun training courses offered by Thunder Ranch and others. It's the arrogance of his statements which really bother me. I don't know how Royce makes a living (I doubt that much of his income comes from books), but normal people have families to feed, and simply cannot afford to buy a $6,000 Barrett because the USA is an expensive country and people with normal jobs don't make that much money. He also says that there are two kinds of people in an army: riflemen and cooks, and refers to those firearms owners who aren't expert riflemen as "cooks" (his criteria for graduating from "cook" status is in the book). Not everyone can be Carlos Hathcock. His attitude throughout the book brings the term "gun snob" to mind, and really put me off after I thought about it for a while. From reading this book, I'm sure Mr. Royce thinks very highly of himself.

Although his superior attitude offends me, most of his statistics about crime are hard to argue with, most of his philosophy makes sense, and I certainly can't knock the technical information contained in Boston's Gun Bible. Again, this is a must read. Buy this book NOW.

Editorial Review:

Foreword by Timothy J. Mullin, of ''Unintended Consequences.''

Since the 2002 edition, over 200 pages of various revisions have been included during the annual reprintings. Amazon sells only the latest version, which is currently the 2007 reprint.

Cartridges of the World: 10th Edition, Revised and Expanded

Frank C. Barnes, Stan Skinner

List Price: $27.99 By: Krause Publications Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $7.49

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Antiques & Collectibles -> Firearms & Weapons
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Antiques & Collectibles -> Reference
Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Hunting & Fishing -> Shooting

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 51 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY SHOOTER 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR ALL SHOOTERS, FROM THE 22CAL. ON UP !! NOW I REALLY UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MY 9.3X57 AND THE 30/06 CARTRIDGE.

Editorial Review:

This benchmark volume is the foremost source for cartridge information. Hunters, target shooters, military history buffs, ammunition reloaders and cartridge collectors alike will find all the answers to their cartridge and shotshell questions in this comprehensive book that includes 1,500+ cartridges.

This reference book includes detailed photos, dimensional drawings and loading data. Descriptions of obsolete American cartridges tell the tale of ammunition used by settlers, cowboys and outlaws during the nation’s westward expansion, and offer insights into unusual rounds that never caught on. Hunters and shooters can improve their success with the useful ballistics tables.

-Completely updated with new cartridges and information on electronically fired rounds.
-Includes European and American cartridges, shotshells, wildcats and black powder rounds.
-450 b&w photos for helpful reference.
-Handy index included.

Welder's Handbook

Richard Finch

List Price: $15.95 By: HP Trade Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $3.66

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Kind of disappointed in this book 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Bought this book in part because I was hoping it would give some insight on plasma cutter selection, use, and other info.

However, in the plasma cutting section I find half a page of general info, and 12 pictures of people cutting stuff out with plasma cutters or things that have been cut with a plasma cutter. In other words, nothing useful.

The rest of the book looks like exactly the same stuff that's in his other welder's handbook. It is good info, but for something that's "Revised & Updated" it sure doesn't seem to me like it has much new info.

non-welder bought book to see if I could teach myself. 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I have only welded once before with no instruction. It seems extremely difficult. Now after reading this book I understand why it is difficult and I know a lot more. My goal of purchase and reading the book were completed yesterday, and now I have to ask my wife if I can buy another power tool and some steel to play with. I can't promise her, but I think I will have fun and maybe burn myself. This book seems adequate for a real welder also. I liked the format and level of explanation.

Editorial Review:

A newly-updated, state-of-the-art guide to MIG and TIG arc welding technology.

Written by a noted authority in the field, this revised edition of HP's bestselling automotive book-for over 20 years-is a detailed, instructional manual on the theory, technique, equipment, and proper procedures of metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.

Materials for Design

Victoria Ballard Bell, Patrick Rand

Amazon Price: $31.50 List Price: $50.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Princeton Architectural Press Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $24.95

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Drawing & Modelling -> General
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Drawing & Modelling -> General AAS
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Architecture -> Materials

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A great resource for technical info AND design inspiration 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I absolutely agree with the two previous reviews-- it is a seamless combination of technical info and aesthetics. The book was recommended in my Masters of Architecture program by the Construction-I professor and since then it has been circulating widely in the design studios. It is a great resource for material detailing AND design inspiration. Wa-hoo-wa, Victoria Bell, great job.

Editorial Review:

As architecture programs throughout the country break out of the classroom and adopt the holistic methods of design/build programs, the need for a textbook that bridges the gap between construction materials and design sensibility is sorely needed. Materials for Design is that book.

Students must be taught how a choice of material affects the form and look of a structure; they must also learn how inspired design can inject any material with true personality and zeal. Broken into five sections glass, wood, metals, plastics, and concrete Materials for Design makes a thorough study of each material's properties, followed by a series of 10 12 case studies of that material put to imaginative use by today's brightest architects from around the world.

There is no other textbook on the market that tackles material details so thoroughly while presenting lush, inspired color photographs, plan drawings, and detailed architectural diagrams.

Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain

Warren Young, Richard Budynas

Amazon Price: $75.20 List Price: $94.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Professional Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $64.38

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Aerospace -> Advanced Mechanics
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Chemical -> Polymer Chemistry
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Mechanics

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Reference Tool 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This Book contains every fromula that i would ever need during my Mechanical Engineering Course.
It is quite easy to use, and the print is clear the index is user friendly

Editorial Review:

Solutions-based approach to quick calculations in structural element design and analysis.

. Now updated with 30% new material, Roark Formulas for Stress and Strain, Seventh Edition, is the ultimate resource for designers, engineers, and analysts who need to calculate loads and stress. This landmark reference from Warren Young and Richard Budynas provides you with equations and diagrams of structural properties in an easy-to-use, thumb-through format. Updated, with a user-friendly page layout, this new edition includes expanded coverage of joints, bearing and shear stress, experimental stress analysis, and stress concentrations, as well as material behavior coverage and stress and strain measurement. You�ll also find expanded tables and cases; improved notations and figures in the tables; consistent table and equation numbering; and verification of correction factors.

Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology

R. Bruce Hoadley

List Price: $34.95 By: Taunton Press Inc Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $11.98

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Woodworking -> Projects
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Critical information for the beginning woodworker. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I would consider myself new to woodworking, but not a complete novice. I have read a few books about the principles of woodworking, and all of them contained very little information about the nature of wood. These books left me with many questions about why certain methods are used or when to use one method over another. Understanding Wood answered a lot of my questions. Most importantly I now understand how to take into consideration the nature of wood when I am planning a project. The most important thing that I learned in this book was about the importance of moisture content. Sure I knew that wood expands or contracts with humidity levels, but now I know how to plan for it and work with it and I also know how detrimental it can be if you don't consider the relationship between water and wood.

What I really liked about the book is that the author did not pull any punches in his exposition meaning that this is not written for someone who prefers a "for dummies" book. This is the real deal, it contains some equations, it has many tables and graphs. Don't be too intimidated though, because it is not as dense or dry as a standard textbook. I think for anyone who enjoys woodworking this would be a great read.

My only complaint is that I wish the author could've gone into more detail on a lot of the subjects. He often wrote that a detailed discussion would fill a whole other book or even volumes. The problem is he's right, so the trade off is that some information is left out since the book can't be thousands of pages long.

Editorial Review:

In this essential reference for woodworkers, R. Bruce Hoadley explains everything from how trees grow to how best to cut, season, machine, join, bend, and finish wood. Why do miters open and glue joints loosen? How do you get a really sharp edge? Examples of problems and solutions help woodworkers puzzle through their own projects, while full-color photos and helpful tables illustrate key points.

Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques: Raku * Saggar * Pit * Barrel (A Lark Ceramics Book)

James C. Watkins, Paul Andrew Wandless

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lark Books Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $8.79

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> History & Criticism -> General AAS
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Instructional & How-To -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Other Media -> Ceramics

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Unique ways to make pottery 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

As I perused this book, I got excited to build my own kiln, to use unique kinds of firing techniques and experiment. It will be like Christmas with each try. I love the ideas and encouragement.

Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I really like this book. The directions are clear and easy to understand. The pictures are great! I borrowed this book from a friend and immediately ordered it for myself.

Editorial Review:

Ceramicists searching for new ways to fire their creations now have a wealth of options. Authors James Watkins and Paul Wandless, along with a group of distinguished artisans, demonstrate in detail how to build low-cost, low-tech, yet high-quality kilns. The plans range from an easy, affordable, and versatile Raku Kiln to a unique wood-fueled Downdraft Stovepipe Barrel one. These clever devices make it possible to produce rich surface effects from alternative reduction firing techniques. In addition to showing the basic procedures for using each kiln, easy-to-follow directions for many fast-fire methods unfold in color photographs: You’ll see how to achieve terra sigillata surfaces with direct chemical application, and how to do traditional crackle-glaze raku and smoke finishes.