New Geometries for New Materials

Eric A Lord, Alan L Mackay & S Ranganathan

Synopsis

Recent advances in materials science have given rise to novel materials with unique properties, through the manipulation of structure at the atomic level. Elucidating the shape and form of matter at this scale requires the application of mathematical concepts. This book presents the geometrical ideas that are being developed and integrated into materials science to provide descriptors and enable visualisation of the atomic arrangements in three-dimensional (3D) space. Emphasis is placed on the intuitive understanding of geometrical principles, presented through numerous illustrations. Mathematical complexity is kept to a minimum and only a superficial knowledge of vectors and matrices is required, making this an accessible introduction to the area. With a comprehensive reference list, this book will appeal especially to those working in crystallography, solid state and materials science.

ALAN L. MACKAY retired in 1991 as a Professor Emeritus in the School of Crystallography at the University of London; however, he continues to pursue several research collaborations. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society.

S. RANGANATHAN is an Honorary Professor in the Department of Metallurgy at the Indian Institute of Sciences and has contributed to some 250 papers in scientific journals.