Providing first-hand knowledge of lightweight engineering materials from the perspectives of academic researchers and industrial developers, this handbook and reference helps readers to decide on which material is best suited for a specific application. The first part introduces the selection of purpose-oriented materials, clearly differentiating between the most important lightweight design approaches with respect to such properties as stiffness, strength and toughness. The major part focuses on the shaping, strengthening and processing of metals, alloys, engineering polymers and composites, complemented by property profiles and simulation methods. Finally, chapters on sustainability and life cycle assessment round off the book.