Investigative Phenomenon: How do we design materials for a specific function?
Designing materials for a specific function involves a combination of science and engineering. The process typically involves the following steps:
Identifying the properties needed: The first step in designing materials for a specific function is to identify the properties that the material must have in order to perform the desired function. For example, a material designed for use in aerospace applications must have high strength, high toughness, and low density.
Understanding the relationships between properties and structure: The properties of a material are determined by its structure, so it's important to understand the relationship between properties and structure. For example, the strength of a material can be improved by increasing the density of its crystal structure.
Selecting the material: Once the required properties have been identified, scientists and engineers can select the appropriate material to use. This may involve developing new materials or modifying existing materials to meet the desired properties.
Synthesis and fabrication: After the material has been selected, the next step is to synthesize and fabricate the material into the desired form. This may involve using techniques such as casting, molding, or powder processing.
Characterization: The final step is to characterize the material to verify that it has the desired properties. This may involve using techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, or mechanical testing.
Overall, the design of materials for a specific function is a multi-step process that involves identifying the required properties, understanding the relationships between properties and structure, selecting the appropriate material, synthesizing and fabricating the material, and characterizing the material to verify its properties.