material processing techniques that employ severe plastic deformation have evolved over the past decade, producing metals, alloys and composites having extraordinary properties. variants of spd methods are now capable of creating monolithic materials with submicron and nanocrystalline grain sizes. the resulting novel properties of these materials has led to a growing scientific and commercial interest in them. they offer the promise of bulk nanocrystalline materials for structural; applications, including nanocomposites of lightweight alloys with unprecedented strength. these materials may also enable the use of alternative metal shaping processes, such as high strain rate superplastic forming. prospective applications for medical, automotive, aerospace and other industries are already under development.