Materials metrology is the measurement science used for determining
materials property data. An essential element is the symbiosis between
the understanding of materials behaviour and the development of suit-
able measurement techniques which, through the provision of stand- ards,
enable design engineers and plant operators to acquire materials data of
appropriate precision. This book is concerned only with those aspects of
materials metrology and standards that relate to the design and
performance in service ofstructuresand consumerproducts. Itdoes not
consider their important role in the processing ofmaterials.
Theeditorsare grateful for thecommitmentand patience oftheexperts who
contributed the various chapters. In addition, help from staffin the
Division ofMaterials Metrology, National Physical Laboratory, inassist-
ing with the task of refereeing the chapters is gratefully acknowledged.
The production of this book was carried out as part of the Materials
Measurement Programme of underpinning research financed by the United
Kingdom Department ofTrade and Industry. Brian F. Dyson Malcolm S.
Loveday MarkG. Gee Division of Materials Metrology National Physical
Laboratory Teddington, TWll OLW UK CHAPTER 1 Materials metrology and
standards: an introduction B. F. Dyson, M. S. Loveday and M. G. Gee 1. 1
MATERIALS ASPECTS OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN Knowledge concerning the
behaviour of materials has always been vital for the success of
manufactured products, but never more so than at the present time.