The Science of Structures and Materials

Scientific American Library Series #23

by J.E. Gordon

Covers form, tensile strength, tensile failure, metals, animal soft tissues, stiff biological materials, and new artificial materials.

Genres: Engineering, Science, Physics, Nonfiction, Design, Architecture, Stem

217 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 1988

About the author

James Edward Gordon (UK, 1913–1998) was one of the founders of materials science and biomechanics, and a well-known author of three books on structures and materials, which have been translated in many languages and are still widely used in schools and universities.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and a good summary of materials and their properties- though it is a bit dated and as such does not cover the more recent composites. Not too technical but enough math to make it helpful to understand. Strongly recommended for beginning engineering students.

[Pablo Iriarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a great time with this one. Scientific and historical approach to construction as well as biological materials. An excellent read for designers interested in the materiality of architecture.

[Zubayir Kazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a bit oversimplified and quite dated, though I am unsure what audience this was intended for.

[James Julien]

got a good 3/4 of the way through this and then couldnt be arsed. the bits i liked most were the very very short real life stories - one about the first hot air balloonists to cross the channel.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated now. Too many idiosyncratic tidbits, but, overall useful.