This book is an excellent primer for students to learn about physical properties, particularly mechanical properties of heterogeneous and multiphase materials and the cultivation of physical insight. Written by a prominent author who pioneered many of the concepts, this book provides a comprehensive coverage of current topics in new heterogenous materials.

Topics covered include:

• Principles of the mechanics of solid multiphase systems.
• Role of heterogeneity and anisotropy in determining physical properties including elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties.
• Coupled fields; smart materials including piezoelectric materials and thermal actuators.
• Applications in lightweight structures, ultra-strong materials, materials for protection of the body, and materials for the replacement of human tissues.
• Materials with fibrous, lamellar, particulate, and cellular structures.
• Lattice metamaterials. Extreme and unusual physical properties.
• Heterogeneous materials of biological origin.
• Metamaterials and biomimetic and bio-inspired materials.