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Understanding Materials Science Basics

Materials science involves understanding how the structure and processing of materials determines their properties and applications. The science focuses on theories to explain these relationships, while engineering applies this knowledge to develop materials that meet specific needs. Materials science is interdisciplinary, drawing on physics, chemistry, and other engineering fields. It aims to select materials based on cost and performance, understand how properties change with use, and develop new materials. Materials can be classified as metallic or nonmetallic, with metals having properties like high thermal and electrical conductivity, ductility, malleability, and metallic luster.

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Anore James Ivan
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119 views2 pages

Understanding Materials Science Basics

Materials science involves understanding how the structure and processing of materials determines their properties and applications. The science focuses on theories to explain these relationships, while engineering applies this knowledge to develop materials that meet specific needs. Materials science is interdisciplinary, drawing on physics, chemistry, and other engineering fields. It aims to select materials based on cost and performance, understand how properties change with use, and develop new materials. Materials can be classified as metallic or nonmetallic, with metals having properties like high thermal and electrical conductivity, ductility, malleability, and metallic luster.

Uploaded by

Anore James Ivan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 1

Fundamental Nature and Family of Materials

Engineering Materials is a term often used loosely to define most Materials that
go into products and systems. It also refers to materials whose structure has been
designed to develop specific properties for a given application.
Material Science and Engineering (MSE) involves the generation and
application of knowledge relating the composition, structure and processing of materials
to their properties and uses.
 The “science” focuses on discovering the nature of materials, which in turn leads
to theories or descriptions that explain how structure relates to composition,
properties, and behavior.
 The “engineering” on the other hand, deals with synthesis and use of the science
in order to develop, prepare, modify, and apply materials to meet specific needs.
Materials Science forms the foundation for engineers in product development
because the structures, components, and devices that engineers design are limited by
the properties of the materials that are available and the techniques that can be used for
fabrication.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER SCIENCE

Material science heavily relies on physics, chemistry, other engineering fields such as mechanical
and electrical engineering. Physical properties of materials are usually the deciding factor in choosing
which materials should be used for particular application. This involves looking at many factors such as:
material composition and structure (Chemistry), fracture and stress analysis (Mechanical Engineering),
conductivity (Electrical Engineering), and optical and thermal properties (Physics) to name a few.

Due to the diversity of material science, there have been emerging areas in this field such as:
electronic materials, nanotechnology and biomaterials. In fact, many leading commercial products and
military systems can not exist without these advanced materials.

WHY STUDY MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING?


1. To be able to select a material for a given use based on considerations of cost
and performance
2. To understand the limits of materials and the change of their properties with use
3. To be able to create a new material that will have some desirable properties.

CLASSIFICATION OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS

A. Materials may be classified as metallic or nonmetallic (old classification)


1. Metallic Materials (Metals)
Properties of Metals
a) High thermal conductivity – they transmit heat readily
b) High electrical conductivity – they transmit electricity readily
c) Ductility – they can be drawn into wires
d) Malleable – they can be hammered into thin sheets
e) Metallic luster – metals are easily recognized by their shiny
appearance or metallic luster. All metals are opaque and are
reflectors of light.

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