Mechanical engineering is an engineering discipline that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. This book covers leading-edge research in a cross-section of fields centring on mechanical engineering including current research data on the fracture mechanics of wood and wood-like reinforced polymers; thulium-doped fibre amplifiers; the role of microalloying elements on the microstructure of hot rolled steels; and high-strength titanium base alloys.