From permanent magnets to electromagnets, Dekker explains:
A. J. Dekker wrote for an engineer who wanted to know why materials behave the way they do. That engineer is still in demand today. Download, read, and master the materials that power our world.
For the student downloading the PDF, this section is a goldmine for solving numerical problems on conductivity and resistivity.
You might wonder: In an era of nanotechnology and 2D materials like graphene, is a classic textbook still useful? The answer is a resounding . Here is why:
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, where the focus is often on the latest software algorithms or wireless protocols, it is easy to overlook the fundamental bedrock upon which all electronics are built: the materials themselves. From the semiconductors in our microprocessors to the insulation on our high-voltage cables, the behavior of materials dictates the limits of what is possible in electrical engineering.
It is not a light read. There are no cartoons or gimmicks. It is a serious, rigorous, and deeply rewarding textbook that will harden your understanding of the physical world. Whether you find a legal PDF on the Internet Archive, borrow a tattered copy from a senior, or buy a digital reprint, make sure you read it.
Dekker’s book is a testament to the idea that good engineering does not age. Ohm’s law is still Ohm’s law. Maxwell’s equations are unchanged. And the band theory of solids—explained elegantly by Dekker—still governs every smartphone and laptop in use today.
To understand why so many students search for one must look at the syllabus the book covers. It is divided into logical sections that build a comprehensive picture of material science for engineers.
When students download the they are often surprised by the density of the text. Unlike modern textbooks that rely heavily on colorful illustrations and sidebar features, Dekker’s style is traditional and academic.
Dekker rounds out the text with a comprehensive study of magnetism. He explains the origin of magnetic moments, the classification of magnetic materials (diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic), and the all-important B-H curve (hysteresis loop). For engineers designing transformers, motors, or magnetic storage devices, this section is a vital reference.