Material Selection + MatSci Applications

Question 1

What are the different scales at which we look at materials to understand their properties?

Answer 1

Sub-atomic, atomic, microscopic and macroscopic

Question 2

State all the possible stimuli for a material in use and the property associated with it

Answer 2

Mechanical: elastic modulus and strength // Electrical: electrical conductivity and dielectric constant // Magnetic - magnetic field strength // Thermal - heat capacity and thermal conductivity // Optical - index of refraction and reflectivity // Deteriorative - chemical reactivity

Question 3

What is the material engineering chain of processes that results in a material’s creation/selection?

Answer 3

Processing => Structure => Properties => Performance

Question 4

What are the 3 main material selection criteria?

Answer 4

Economics, in-service conditions and deterioration (often economics overrides the others as some materials can simply not be afforded)

Question 5

What is the name of the graphs often taken in the material selection process to aid in the choice?

Answer 5

Ashby plot