This book joins and integrates ceramics and ceramic-based materials in
various sectors of technology. A major imperative is to extract
scientific information on joining and integration response of real, as
well as model, material systems currently in a developmental stage.This
book envisions integration in its broadest sense as a fundamental
enabling technology at multiple length scales that span the macro,
millimeter, micrometer and nanometer ranges.
Consequently, the book
addresses integration issues in such diverse areas as space power and
propulsion, thermoelectric power generation, solar energy,
micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC),
multi-chip modules, prosthetic devices, and implanted biosensors and
stimulators. The engineering challenge of designing and manufacturing
complex structural, functional, and smart components and devices for the
above applications from smaller, geometrically simpler units requires
innovative development of new integration technology and skillful
adaptation of existing technology.