Composite materials are engineered materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties and which remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure. We have no idea what that means, but Dr. George Mayer does. The research professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Washington lives and breathes composite materials. In fact, he'll review some of his work on the toughness of composite materials found in nature Tuesday at Orca Books. You'll never look at a seashell the same way again. Well, you probably will, but at least hear the good doctor out.

SCIENCE CAFÉ, 7 p.m., Orca Books, 509 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, no cover, 360.352.0123

See Also

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife