Author: Arik D. Brown
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119749050
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
In Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications, electromagnetics expert Dr. Arik D. Brown delivers a foundational treatment of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) ideal for engineering students and professionals. The distinguished author provides an overview of the primary subsystems of an AESA and detailed explanations of key design concepts and fundamentals for subsystems, including antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers. Performance results for various AESA architectures often found in industry, including analog, subarrayed, and digital beamforming AESAs, are discussed. With a focus on practical knowledge and applications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications offers an accessible overview of a technology critical to the implementation of collision avoidance in cars, air surveillance radar, communication antennas, and defense technologies. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to AESAs, including a top-level block diagram view and explanations of key components and subsystems Detailed explanations of the impact of AESAs on mission applications including Radar, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), SIGINT and Communications Comprehensive explorations of antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers including their purpose, functions, and practical design considerations In-depth examinations of AESA architecture performance for current and future systems Utility of AESAs for implementing adaptive beamforming for Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Perfect for electrical engineers working with active electronically scanned arrays, electronic warfare technologies, radar, or communications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications will also prove to be an invaluable resource for defense students undertaking military education and training.
Active Electronically Scanned Arrays
Author: Arik D. Brown
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119749050
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
In Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications, electromagnetics expert Dr. Arik D. Brown delivers a foundational treatment of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) ideal for engineering students and professionals. The distinguished author provides an overview of the primary subsystems of an AESA and detailed explanations of key design concepts and fundamentals for subsystems, including antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers. Performance results for various AESA architectures often found in industry, including analog, subarrayed, and digital beamforming AESAs, are discussed. With a focus on practical knowledge and applications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications offers an accessible overview of a technology critical to the implementation of collision avoidance in cars, air surveillance radar, communication antennas, and defense technologies. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to AESAs, including a top-level block diagram view and explanations of key components and subsystems Detailed explanations of the impact of AESAs on mission applications including Radar, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), SIGINT and Communications Comprehensive explorations of antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers including their purpose, functions, and practical design considerations In-depth examinations of AESA architecture performance for current and future systems Utility of AESAs for implementing adaptive beamforming for Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Perfect for electrical engineers working with active electronically scanned arrays, electronic warfare technologies, radar, or communications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications will also prove to be an invaluable resource for defense students undertaking military education and training.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119749050
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 276
Book Description
In Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications, electromagnetics expert Dr. Arik D. Brown delivers a foundational treatment of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) ideal for engineering students and professionals. The distinguished author provides an overview of the primary subsystems of an AESA and detailed explanations of key design concepts and fundamentals for subsystems, including antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers. Performance results for various AESA architectures often found in industry, including analog, subarrayed, and digital beamforming AESAs, are discussed. With a focus on practical knowledge and applications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications offers an accessible overview of a technology critical to the implementation of collision avoidance in cars, air surveillance radar, communication antennas, and defense technologies. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to AESAs, including a top-level block diagram view and explanations of key components and subsystems Detailed explanations of the impact of AESAs on mission applications including Radar, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), SIGINT and Communications Comprehensive explorations of antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers including their purpose, functions, and practical design considerations In-depth examinations of AESA architecture performance for current and future systems Utility of AESAs for implementing adaptive beamforming for Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Perfect for electrical engineers working with active electronically scanned arrays, electronic warfare technologies, radar, or communications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications will also prove to be an invaluable resource for defense students undertaking military education and training.
Electronically Scanned Arrays MATLAB® Modeling and Simulation
Author: Arik D. Brown
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439861641
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
"[Contains] more lengthy mathematical derivations than most {comparable books] ... for arrays, provides for a unique, stand-alone mathematical description that can be adopted by anyone trying to communicate the theoretical foundation for their array design...has insights from a practitioner that are unique. The MATLAB® scripts alone are worth the price." —Daniel C. Ross, Ph. D, Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronically Scanned Arrays: MATLAB® Modeling and Simulation is considered the first book to provide comprehensive modeling/simulation programs used to design and analyze Electronically Scanned Arrays (ESA), a key technology internationally in the scientific and engineering communities. Several books have been written about ESAs, but most cover only fundamental theory. Few, if any, provide the insightful, easy-to-use simulation tools found in this book. Obviously, MATLAB® is one of the greatest tools available for exploring and understanding science and engineering concepts, and we use MATLAB functions to easily and instantly calculate ESA patterns. However, to achieve a truly insightful and in-depth analysis of subarray architectures, conformal arrays, etc., it is imperative that users first develop a firm grasp of ESA fundamentals. Covers largely unexplored topics, such as reliability aspects and the application of ESAs in space This volume helps readers build that elemental understanding of how ESAs work. It also provides code to run as an aid, so that readers don’t have to start from scratch. The book expands on ESA principles and provides a modeling framework, using MATLAB to model applications of ESAs (i.e. pattern optimization, space-based applications, and reliability analysis). Presented code serves as an excellent vehicle to help readers master the analysis and simulation of ESAs. Exploring how difficult problems can be simplified with short, elegant solutions, this is an invaluable resource for students and others new to ESAs, as well as experienced practicing engineers who model ESAs at the systems level.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439861641
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
"[Contains] more lengthy mathematical derivations than most {comparable books] ... for arrays, provides for a unique, stand-alone mathematical description that can be adopted by anyone trying to communicate the theoretical foundation for their array design...has insights from a practitioner that are unique. The MATLAB® scripts alone are worth the price." —Daniel C. Ross, Ph. D, Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronically Scanned Arrays: MATLAB® Modeling and Simulation is considered the first book to provide comprehensive modeling/simulation programs used to design and analyze Electronically Scanned Arrays (ESA), a key technology internationally in the scientific and engineering communities. Several books have been written about ESAs, but most cover only fundamental theory. Few, if any, provide the insightful, easy-to-use simulation tools found in this book. Obviously, MATLAB® is one of the greatest tools available for exploring and understanding science and engineering concepts, and we use MATLAB functions to easily and instantly calculate ESA patterns. However, to achieve a truly insightful and in-depth analysis of subarray architectures, conformal arrays, etc., it is imperative that users first develop a firm grasp of ESA fundamentals. Covers largely unexplored topics, such as reliability aspects and the application of ESAs in space This volume helps readers build that elemental understanding of how ESAs work. It also provides code to run as an aid, so that readers don’t have to start from scratch. The book expands on ESA principles and provides a modeling framework, using MATLAB to model applications of ESAs (i.e. pattern optimization, space-based applications, and reliability analysis). Presented code serves as an excellent vehicle to help readers master the analysis and simulation of ESAs. Exploring how difficult problems can be simplified with short, elegant solutions, this is an invaluable resource for students and others new to ESAs, as well as experienced practicing engineers who model ESAs at the systems level.
Active Electronically Scanned Arrays
Author: Arik D. Brown
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119749085
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
In Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications, electromagnetics expert Dr. Arik D. Brown delivers a foundational treatment of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) ideal for engineering students and professionals. The distinguished author provides an overview of the primary subsystems of an AESA and detailed explanations of key design concepts and fundamentals for subsystems, including antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers. Performance results for various AESA architectures often found in industry, including analog, subarrayed, and digital beamforming AESAs, are discussed. With a focus on practical knowledge and applications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications offers an accessible overview of a technology critical to the implementation of collision avoidance in cars, air surveillance radar, communication antennas, and defense technologies. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to AESAs, including a top-level block diagram view and explanations of key components and subsystems Detailed explanations of the impact of AESAs on mission applications including Radar, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), SIGINT and Communications Comprehensive explorations of antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers including their purpose, functions, and practical design considerations In-depth examinations of AESA architecture performance for current and future systems Utility of AESAs for implementing adaptive beamforming for Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Perfect for electrical engineers working with active electronically scanned arrays, electronic warfare technologies, radar, or communications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications will also prove to be an invaluable resource for defense students undertaking military education and training.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119749085
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
In Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications, electromagnetics expert Dr. Arik D. Brown delivers a foundational treatment of active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) ideal for engineering students and professionals. The distinguished author provides an overview of the primary subsystems of an AESA and detailed explanations of key design concepts and fundamentals for subsystems, including antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers. Performance results for various AESA architectures often found in industry, including analog, subarrayed, and digital beamforming AESAs, are discussed. With a focus on practical knowledge and applications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications offers an accessible overview of a technology critical to the implementation of collision avoidance in cars, air surveillance radar, communication antennas, and defense technologies. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to AESAs, including a top-level block diagram view and explanations of key components and subsystems Detailed explanations of the impact of AESAs on mission applications including Radar, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), SIGINT and Communications Comprehensive explorations of antenna array elements, transmit/receive modules, and beamformers including their purpose, functions, and practical design considerations In-depth examinations of AESA architecture performance for current and future systems Utility of AESAs for implementing adaptive beamforming for Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Perfect for electrical engineers working with active electronically scanned arrays, electronic warfare technologies, radar, or communications, Active Electronically Scanned Arrays: Fundamentals and Applications will also prove to be an invaluable resource for defense students undertaking military education and training.
Introduction to Electronic Warfare Modeling
Author: David Adamy
Publisher: Artech House
ISBN: 9781596933118
Category : Electronics in military engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 252
Book Description
EW 101 has been a popular column in the Journal of Electronic Defense for a number of years. This compilation of tutorial articles from JED provides introductory level electronic warfare instruction for students of the discipline.
Publisher: Artech House
ISBN: 9781596933118
Category : Electronics in military engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 252
Book Description
EW 101 has been a popular column in the Journal of Electronic Defense for a number of years. This compilation of tutorial articles from JED provides introductory level electronic warfare instruction for students of the discipline.
Monopulse Measurement with Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESAs)
Author: Roger A. Dana
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030919080
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
This book describes monopulse implemented with Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESAs). Both phase- and amplitude-comparison monopulse are addressed. Limitations imposed by AESAs and non-ideal performance due to quantization, vector modulator noise, and element failures are discussed. The author addresses monopulse using modern low-cost AESAs where the hardware is often non-ideal and where one must carefully balance cost and complexity. The relationship between AESA antenna gain and monopulse measurement is shown and is used to construct an accurate “first-principles” simulation of the monopulse measurement process including both Additive White Gaussian Noise and non-ideal hardware effects. For those unfamiliar with monopulse, this book discusses both the theory and implementation of monopulse for application in modern AESA antennas. For those familiar with the ideal performance of monopulse, the book shows the sensitivity of monopulse accuracy to non-ideal hardware implementations, particularly in AESAs. For those familiar with both, the book discusses Monte-Carlo techniques for simulating the measurement process to obtain realistic, non-ideal monopulse performance vs signal-to-noise ratio. And for those working in radar, the book explains the relationship between one-way monopulse and the monostatic radar case with two-way propagation utilizing the same antenna for both transmit and receive. Shows the relationship between monopulse theory and implementation in modern AESAs; Illustrates the relationship between AESA antenna gain and monopulse accuracy; Discusses the limitations of AESA hardware implementation on simultaneous sidelobe control and monopulse measurement.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030919080
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 102
Book Description
This book describes monopulse implemented with Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESAs). Both phase- and amplitude-comparison monopulse are addressed. Limitations imposed by AESAs and non-ideal performance due to quantization, vector modulator noise, and element failures are discussed. The author addresses monopulse using modern low-cost AESAs where the hardware is often non-ideal and where one must carefully balance cost and complexity. The relationship between AESA antenna gain and monopulse measurement is shown and is used to construct an accurate “first-principles” simulation of the monopulse measurement process including both Additive White Gaussian Noise and non-ideal hardware effects. For those unfamiliar with monopulse, this book discusses both the theory and implementation of monopulse for application in modern AESA antennas. For those familiar with the ideal performance of monopulse, the book shows the sensitivity of monopulse accuracy to non-ideal hardware implementations, particularly in AESAs. For those familiar with both, the book discusses Monte-Carlo techniques for simulating the measurement process to obtain realistic, non-ideal monopulse performance vs signal-to-noise ratio. And for those working in radar, the book explains the relationship between one-way monopulse and the monostatic radar case with two-way propagation utilizing the same antenna for both transmit and receive. Shows the relationship between monopulse theory and implementation in modern AESAs; Illustrates the relationship between AESA antenna gain and monopulse accuracy; Discusses the limitations of AESA hardware implementation on simultaneous sidelobe control and monopulse measurement.
Timed Arrays
Author: Randy L. Haupt
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118860144
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
Introduces timed arrays and design approaches to meet the new high performance standards The author concentrates on any aspect of an antenna array that must be viewed from a time perspective. The first chapters briefly introduce antenna arrays and explain the difference between phased and timed arrays. Since timed arrays are designed for realistic time-varying signals and scenarios, the book also reviews wideband signals, baseband and passband RF signals, polarization and signal bandwidth. Other topics covered include time domain, mutual coupling, wideband elements, and dispersion. The author also presents a number of analog and digital beamforming networks for creating and manipulating beams. The book concludes with an overview of the methods to integrate time delay into the array design and of several other adaptive arrays that prove useful in many different systems. Examines RF signal concepts such as polarization and signal bandwidth and their applications to timed antenna arrays Covers arrays of point source, elements in timed antenna arrays, active electronically scanned array technology, and time delay in corporate fed arrays Includes complete design examples for placing time delay in arrays Timed Arrays: Wideband and Time Varying Antenna Arrays is written for practicing engineers and scientists in wireless communication, radar, and remote sensing as well as graduate students and professors interested in advanced antenna topics.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118860144
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
Introduces timed arrays and design approaches to meet the new high performance standards The author concentrates on any aspect of an antenna array that must be viewed from a time perspective. The first chapters briefly introduce antenna arrays and explain the difference between phased and timed arrays. Since timed arrays are designed for realistic time-varying signals and scenarios, the book also reviews wideband signals, baseband and passband RF signals, polarization and signal bandwidth. Other topics covered include time domain, mutual coupling, wideband elements, and dispersion. The author also presents a number of analog and digital beamforming networks for creating and manipulating beams. The book concludes with an overview of the methods to integrate time delay into the array design and of several other adaptive arrays that prove useful in many different systems. Examines RF signal concepts such as polarization and signal bandwidth and their applications to timed antenna arrays Covers arrays of point source, elements in timed antenna arrays, active electronically scanned array technology, and time delay in corporate fed arrays Includes complete design examples for placing time delay in arrays Timed Arrays: Wideband and Time Varying Antenna Arrays is written for practicing engineers and scientists in wireless communication, radar, and remote sensing as well as graduate students and professors interested in advanced antenna topics.
Array and Phased Array Antenna Basics
Author: Hubregt J. Visser
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470871180
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
Reflecting a growing interest in phased array antenna systems, stemming from radar, radio astronomy, mobile communications and satellite broadcasting, Array and Phased Array Antenna Basics introduces the principles of array and phased array antennas. Packed with first-hand practical experience and worked-out examples, this is a valuable learning tool and reference source for those wishing to improve their understanding of basic array antenna systems without relying heavily on a thorough knowledge of electromagnetics or antenna theory. Features a general introduction to antennas and explains the array antenna principle through discussion of the physical characteristics rather than the theory Explores topics often not covered in antenna textbooks, such as active element pattern, array feeding, means of phase changing, array antenna characterisation, sequential rotation techniques and reactively loaded arrays Guides the reader through the necessary mathematics, allowing them to move onto specialist books on array and phased array antennas with a greater understanding of the topic Supported by a companion website on which instructors and lecturers can find electronic versions of the figures An ideal introduction for those without a background in antennas, this clear, concise volume will appeal to technicians, researchers and managers working in academia, government, telecommunications and radio astronomy. It will also be a valuable resource for professionals and postgraduates with some antenna knowledge.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470871180
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
Reflecting a growing interest in phased array antenna systems, stemming from radar, radio astronomy, mobile communications and satellite broadcasting, Array and Phased Array Antenna Basics introduces the principles of array and phased array antennas. Packed with first-hand practical experience and worked-out examples, this is a valuable learning tool and reference source for those wishing to improve their understanding of basic array antenna systems without relying heavily on a thorough knowledge of electromagnetics or antenna theory. Features a general introduction to antennas and explains the array antenna principle through discussion of the physical characteristics rather than the theory Explores topics often not covered in antenna textbooks, such as active element pattern, array feeding, means of phase changing, array antenna characterisation, sequential rotation techniques and reactively loaded arrays Guides the reader through the necessary mathematics, allowing them to move onto specialist books on array and phased array antennas with a greater understanding of the topic Supported by a companion website on which instructors and lecturers can find electronic versions of the figures An ideal introduction for those without a background in antennas, this clear, concise volume will appeal to technicians, researchers and managers working in academia, government, telecommunications and radio astronomy. It will also be a valuable resource for professionals and postgraduates with some antenna knowledge.
Adaptive Antennas and Phased Arrays for Radar and Communications
Author: Alan J. Fenn
Publisher: Artech House
ISBN: 1596932732
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 410
Book Description
Based on the author's extensive research at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, this authoritative resource offers an in-depth description of adaptive array design, emphasizing the RF characteristics, mutual coupling among elements, and field testing methods. It provides you with proven techniques for challenging projects involving radar, communication systems and antenna design. For the first time in any book, you find design guidance on specialized types of arrays, using monopole radiating elements, slotted cylinders and ultrawideband dipoles. Moreover, this unique book presents a focused near-field technique that quantifies the far-field performance of large aperture radar systems and communication systems. The book presents example prototype phased array antennas, including discussions on monopole phased arrays, finite and infinite array analyses, measurements for planar arrays of monopole elements. Further, you get a detailed explanation of focused near-field polarization characteristics of monopole arrays as related to adaptive array testing in the near field. From the fundamentals of adaptive antennas and degrees of freedom for multiple beam antennas and phased arrays… to a test bed monopole phased array and the planar near field testing technique… to arrays of horizontally polarized loop-fed slotted cylinder antennas and ultrawideband dipole arrays, this comprehensive book offers you invaluable, hands-on knowledge for your work in the field.
Publisher: Artech House
ISBN: 1596932732
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 410
Book Description
Based on the author's extensive research at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, this authoritative resource offers an in-depth description of adaptive array design, emphasizing the RF characteristics, mutual coupling among elements, and field testing methods. It provides you with proven techniques for challenging projects involving radar, communication systems and antenna design. For the first time in any book, you find design guidance on specialized types of arrays, using monopole radiating elements, slotted cylinders and ultrawideband dipoles. Moreover, this unique book presents a focused near-field technique that quantifies the far-field performance of large aperture radar systems and communication systems. The book presents example prototype phased array antennas, including discussions on monopole phased arrays, finite and infinite array analyses, measurements for planar arrays of monopole elements. Further, you get a detailed explanation of focused near-field polarization characteristics of monopole arrays as related to adaptive array testing in the near field. From the fundamentals of adaptive antennas and degrees of freedom for multiple beam antennas and phased arrays… to a test bed monopole phased array and the planar near field testing technique… to arrays of horizontally polarized loop-fed slotted cylinder antennas and ultrawideband dipole arrays, this comprehensive book offers you invaluable, hands-on knowledge for your work in the field.
Electronically Scanned Arrays
Author: Robert J. Mailloux
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1598291823
Category : Antenna arrays
Languages : en
Pages : 93
Book Description
Provides a compact but comprehensive treatment of the scanned array, from the underlying basis for array pattern behaviour to the engineering choices leading to successful design. The book describes the scanned array in terms of radiation from apertures and wire antennas and introduces the effects resulting directly from scanning.
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1598291823
Category : Antenna arrays
Languages : en
Pages : 93
Book Description
Provides a compact but comprehensive treatment of the scanned array, from the underlying basis for array pattern behaviour to the engineering choices leading to successful design. The book describes the scanned array in terms of radiation from apertures and wire antennas and introduces the effects resulting directly from scanning.
Advanced Thermal Management Materials
Author: Guosheng Jiang
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461419638
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 163
Book Description
Advanced Thermal Management Materials provides a comprehensive and hands-on treatise on the importance of thermal packaging in high performance systems. These systems, ranging from active electronically-scanned radar arrays to web servers, require components that can dissipate heat efficiently. This requires materials capable of dissipating heat and maintaining compatibility with the packaging and dye. Coverage includes all aspects of thermal management materials, both traditional and non-traditional,with an emphasis on metal based materials. An in-depth discussion of properties and manufacturing processes, and current applications are provided. Also presented are a discussion of the importance of cost, performance and reliability issues when making implementation decisions, product life cycle developments, lessons learned and future directions.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461419638
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 163
Book Description
Advanced Thermal Management Materials provides a comprehensive and hands-on treatise on the importance of thermal packaging in high performance systems. These systems, ranging from active electronically-scanned radar arrays to web servers, require components that can dissipate heat efficiently. This requires materials capable of dissipating heat and maintaining compatibility with the packaging and dye. Coverage includes all aspects of thermal management materials, both traditional and non-traditional,with an emphasis on metal based materials. An in-depth discussion of properties and manufacturing processes, and current applications are provided. Also presented are a discussion of the importance of cost, performance and reliability issues when making implementation decisions, product life cycle developments, lessons learned and future directions.