This collection of eight studies focuses on polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramic materials, their processing, properties, characterization, and applications. Written by multidisciplinary scientists from the US, Asia, Australia, and Brazil, the chapters discuss how these crystalline materials develop an electric charge proportional to mechanical stress; applications in ultrasonic actuators, sensors, transducers, and active vibration controlling; stress-based piezoelectric composites, their history, fabrication, performance attributes, and potential applications; technology for soft or hard piezoelectric material; and uses in smart materials and structures. Other topics include thermally induced cracking of materials, transient thermal fracture, composite film for acoustic emission and x-ray radiation intensity detection, and implantable middle ear hearing devices. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)