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.