Deformation of materials

This article provides an overview of the mechanical properties of materials with particular emphasis placed upon orthopaedic biomaterials. Engineering concepts of stress, strain, shear, yielding and failure are introduced and through consideration of microstructural mechanisms, the behaviour of materials under loading is discussed. In providing a concise overview of the deformation of materials, the reader is introduced to fundamental concepts in engineering and materials science. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.