Engineering Materials and Classification
Engineering materials are classified into metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, each with distinct properties and applications. The properties include physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, and economic factors that influence their suitability for various use cases. Standards for material designation aid in identification and selection based on performance and cost considerations, utilizing methods like Ashby Diagrams for material comparison and selection.
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What we have learnt
- Materials are categorized into metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites based on their characteristics and applications.
- The relevant properties of materials influence their performance, including physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical attributes.
- Material standards and selection processes employ methods like Ashby Diagrams for identifying suitable materials for specific engineering applications.
Key Concepts
- -- Metals
- Materials that can be ferrous or non-ferrous, known for good electrical and thermal conductivity, high strength, and use in construction and automotive applications.
- -- Polymers
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials that can be thermoplastics or thermosets, commonly used in packaging and insulation.
- -- Ceramics
- Inorganic, non-metallic solid materials that are hard and brittle, often used in high-temperature applications like cutting tools and electrical insulators.
- -- Composites
- Materials made from two or more constituents with different physical or chemical properties, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios for applications in aerospace and sports equipment.
- -- Ashby Diagrams
- Material selection charts that plot material properties like strength versus density to visualize trade-offs for engineering design.
Additional Learning Materials
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