This collection of 33 papers deals with mechanical behaviors associated with systems ranging from diamond reinforced silicon carbide to rare earth pyrosilicates. Presented at The Mechanical Behavior and Performance of Ceramics & Composites Symposium in January 2012 during the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC), it offers researchers from around the world the opportunity to explore new and emerging issues in all aspects of the field.

The Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceeding has been published by The American Ceramic Society since 1980. This series contains a collection of papers dealing with issues in both traditional ceramics (i.e., glass, whitewares, refractories, and porcelain enamel) and advanced ceramics. Topics covered in the area of advanced ceramic include bioceramics, nanomaterials, composites, solid oxide fuel cells, mechanical properties and structural design, advanced ceramic coatings, ceramic armor, porous ceramics, and more.

Dedicated to the innovative design and use of ceramic materials for energy applications, this issue brings readers up to date with some of the most important research discoveries and new and emerging applications in the field. Contributions come from the proceedings of three symposia, as well as the European Union–USA Engineering Ceramics Summit. The three symposia are: Ceramics for Electric Energy Generation, Storage, and Distribution; Advanced Ceramics and Composites for Nuclear and Fusion Applications; and Advanced Materials and Technologies for Rechargeable Batteries. An abundance of charts, tables, and illustrations are included throughout.

The 6th International Symposium on Advanced Processing and Manufacturing Technologies for Structural and Multifunctional Materials and Systems was held in January 2012 during the 36th International Conference and Exposition on Advanced Ceramics and Composites. This symposium examined progress resulting from the research and development of advanced processing and manufacturing technologies for a wide variety of non-oxide and oxide-based structural ceramics, particulate and fiber-reinforced composites, and multifunctional materials. This issue features seventeen of those papers, representing some of the most important developments in processing and manufacturing technologies.

This volume contains over 70 papers on advanced research and development of processing, mechanical properties and mechanics of ceramics and composites from the proceedings of the 30th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, January 22-27, 2006, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The conference was organized and sponsored by The American Ceramic Society and The American Ceramic Society's Engineering Ceramics Division in conjunction with the Nuclear and Environmental Technology Division. It covers underlying fundamental links between microstructure and properties, and the ability to achieve desired multifunctional properties through innovative processing techniques.

Exploring advanced ceramic coatings and ultra-high temperature ceramic materials, this issue brings readers up-to-date with important new and emerging findings, materials, and applications. The nineteen papers in this issue originate from two symposia and one focused session held in January 2012, during the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC). With contributions from leading ceramics and materials researchers from around the world, this issue explores the latest advances and key challenges in advanced thermal and environmental coating processing and characterizations, advanced wear corrosion-resistant, nanocomposite, and multi-functional coatings, thermal protection systems, and more.

The Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceeding has been published by The American Ceramic Society since 1980. This series contains a collection of papers dealing with issues in both traditional ceramics (i.e., glass, whitewares, refractories, and porcelain enamel) and advanced ceramics. Topics covered in the area of advanced ceramic include bioceramics, nanomaterials, composites, solid oxide fuel cells, mechanical properties and structural design, advanced ceramic coatings, ceramic armor, porous ceramics, and more.

The manuscripts contained in this issue of Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings were selected from among the more than seventy presentations at the Armor Ceramics Symposium. The discussions are divided into three sections: Modeling and dynamic behavior, Transparent materials, and Opaque materials. Conducted during the 36th annual International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC), this event is one of the premier global conferences for the latest developments in the fabrication, characterization, and application of ceramic materials to meet the needs of the military, police, and other public defense, security, and protection organizations.

The Ninth International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Materials, Science, and Technology was held in January 2012 as part of the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC). This symposium provided an international forum for scientists, engineers, and technologists from around the world to present and discuss the latest advances in solid oxide fuel cells. This issue features fourteen papers selected from the symposium, offering readers a broad panorama of the current status of solid oxide fuel cells technology, as well as emerging issues and future directions in the field.

This collection of 33 papers deals with mechanical behaviors associated with systems ranging from diamond reinforced silicon carbide to rare earth pyrosilicates. Presented at The Mechanical Behavior and Performance of Ceramics & Composites Symposium in January 2012 during the 36th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC), it offers researchers from around the world the opportunity to explore new and emerging issues in all aspects of the field.