ME 31 Hmwk 1a Solution

[20 pts] Define and compare/contrast the following: a) Materials Science b) Materials Engineering a) Materials science involves investigating the relationships that exist between the structures and properties of materials. Furthermore, the role of a materials scientist is to develop or synthesize new materials. b) Materials engineering is, on the basis of structures-property correlations, designing or engineering the structures of a material to produce a predetermined set of properties. Furthermore, materials engineer is called upon to created new products or systems using existing materials, and/or to develop techniques for processing materials. [20 pts] Define and compare/contrast the following terms. Give two examples for each term. a) Material Properties b) Material Performance a) Material property is a material trait in terms of the kind and magnitude of response to a specific imposed stimulus. Generally definitions of properties are made independent of material shape ands size. Examples are stiffnes (elastic modulus) and density. b) Material performance is a material trait in terms of the kind and magnitude of response to a specific imposed stimulus. Generally definitions of performance are made dependent on material shape ands size. Examples are corrosion resistance and fatigue behaviour.

[20 pts] List the three basic classifications of solid materials along with the one other basic classification for a total of four basic classifications. Give two examples of materials in each classification. Three basic classes include: Metals are composed of metallic elements and typified by metallic bonding. Examples include iron, cobalt and copper. Ceramics/glasses that are composed of metallic and nonmetallic elements and are typified by ionic and covalent bonding. Examples include alumina and silica. Polymers are composed of hydrogen and carbon compounds and are typified by covalent bonding. Examples include polyethylene and polycarbonate. One other basic class includes: Composites that are composed for two or more chemically and structurally distinct materials from the three previous classifications. Examples include fiberglas and carbon-reinforced composites. [20 pts] List the four classifications of advanced solid materials. Give two examples of materials in each classification. Semiconductors have intermediate electrical properties between conductors and insulators. Examples include phosphorous-doped silicon and gallium arsenside. Biomaterials are used in components implants in human boy for replacement of diseased or damaged body parts. Examples include silicones and hydroxyapatite (bio-glass). Smart materials include materials that sense changes in their environment and then respond to these changes in predetermined manners. Examples include piezo-electric ceramic (lead titanate) and shape-memory alloys (e.g., Ni-Ti nitinol). Nanoengineered materials are those with microstruccarture in the nanometer range. Examples include carbon nanotubes and nano titanium dioxide for sunblock.

[20 pts] Explain the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum, glass and polyester used for carbonated beverage containers. Include your personal opinion of which material you prefer for this application. Aluminum: +s include good strength, good barrier to diffusion of carbonation, recyclable, cools rapidly and is receptive to direct printing of labels. s include that it is opaque and somewhat expensive. Glass: +s include excellent barrier to diffusion of carbonation, inexpensive, and recycable. s include are easy to break and somewhat heavy. Polyester: +s include good strength, optically transparent, inexpensive, lightweight, and recyclable. s include that it is a poor barrier to diffusion of carbonation. Personal preference is up to you!