While these satellites allow us to study atomic radiation from hot plasmas or energetic electrons, other satellites study nuclear radiation at gamma-ray energies (CGRO) associated with radioactivity or spallation reactions. These experiments show that the whole universe is emitting radiation at high energies, hence we call it the "hot universe.

Introduction. Materials measurement: a European perspective. The industrial requirement for high quality data for high temperature materials properties. Harmonization and improvements in European standards. Laboratory accreditation: standards, reference materials and proficiency testing. Development of reference materials. The calibration and standardization of the impact toughness test. A reference material for creep testing. Towards a tensile reference material. Intercomparison of advanced measurement methods. Low cycle fatigue [LCF]. Review of the BCR/VAMAS low cycle fatigue intercomparison programme. Current activities in standardization of high temperature low cycle fatigue testing techniques in the United States. Creep crack growth. Intercomparison of creep crack growth data. Japanese activities in VAMAS low cycle fatigue round robin tests. New Developments for advanced materials. Prestandardization aspects of the uniaxial mechanical testing of ceramics. Testing of ceramics in tension at high temperature: a harmonized approach. Validation of new codes of practice. Determination of multiaxial stress creep deformation rupture criteria. A code of practice for notched bar creep rupture testing: procedures and interpretation of data for design. A code of practice for torsional creep testing of tubular testpieces at elevated temperatures. Internal pressure testing of tubular components at elevated temperatures; the route to establishing a testing standard. A code of practice for internal pressure testing of tubular components at elevated temperatures. Index.