The lecture is divided into three basic parts. The first one is structure of
solid matter, the second one is degradation processes of structural materials
and essential factors affecting them. The last part of the lecture is
behaviours of basic groups of structural materials. Starting from atomic and
molecular structure the presentation is continuing by physical and mechanical
properties of materials under given conditions of exploration. The lecture
emphasises significance of the relationship between structure and behaviours
not only in general physical level but also for evaluation of behaviours and
technical applications of steels and casting iron, non ferrous metals, ceramics
and glasses, polymers and composites. The presentation of testing methods of
physical and namely mechanical properties is apart of lecture. It completes
knowledge needed for assessment reliability and service life of structural
materials at theirs selection for a given purpose.