Physical Ceramics: Principles for Ceramic Science and Engineering represents the combined efforts of a highly respected author team with over 30 collective years experience teaching ceramics. This text provides an innovative introduction to the fundamental principles of Ceramics, diverse enough to prepare students for more advanced study in ceramics, materials science, and related engineering fields. The brief, yet comprehensive format provides everything students need to build a solid foundation in ceramics including the fundamental scientific background material needed for more advanced courses in ceramics and materials science; class-tested problems and solutions, built from the authors' extensive teaching experience; a large collection of illustrations to provide a visual representation of principles; reading lists to promote further study in a wide variety of related areas; "Special Topics" sections in each chapter to illustrate advanced technology and practical applications of fundamental principles; and an accompanying interactive disk that allows for self-testing, and features several illustrations in a 3-dimensional format (including structure and ternary phase equilibrium).

Designed to provide students with the core understanding necessary to pursue the subject of ceramics as it now exists and to be prepared for any surprises likely to emerge. Key concepts are developed in a sequence which builds on firm foundations, using the material learned so that its significance is continuously reinforced.