metal matrix composites are making tangible inroads into the real world of engineering. they are used in engineering components such as brake rotors, aircraft parts, combustion engines, and heat sinks for electronic systems. yet, outside a relatively limited circle of specialists, these materials are mostly unknown. designers do not as a rule think of using these materials, in part because access to information is difficult as these materials have not really entered engineering handbooks. metal matrix composites in industry is thus useful to engineers who wish to gain introductory knowledge of these materials and who want to know where to find them. additionally, it provides researchers and academics with a survey of current industrial activity in this area of technology.