"Mathematical modeling and computer simulation have been widely embraced in industry as useful tools for improving materials processing. - Although courses in materials processing have covered modeling, they have traditionally been devoted to one particular class of materials, that is, polymers, metals, or ceramics. This text offers a new approach, presenting an integrated treatment of metallic and nonmetallic materials. - The authors show that a common base of knowledge - specifically, the fundamentals of heat transfer and fluid mechanics - provides a unifying theme for these seemingly disparate areas. Emphasis is placed on understanding basic physical phenomena and knowing how to include them in a model. - Thus, chapters explain how to decide which physical phenomena are important in specific applications, and how to develop analytical models. A unique feature is the use of scaling analysis as a rational way to simplify the general governing equations for each individual process. - The book also treats selected numerical methods, showing the relationship among the physical system, analytical solution, and the numerical scheme. A wealth of practical, realistic examples are provided, as well as homework exercises. - Students, and practicing engineers who must deal with a wide variety of materials and processing problems, will benefit from the unified treatment presented in this book."--BOOK JACKET