01 Foundations of Materials Science Free Online FlashCards

What does materials science and engineering study?

Materials science and engineering studies how composition and internal structure shape properties, how processing changes them, and how materials perform in applications.

What is materials processing?

Processing is how a material is made or shaped, such as by casting, rolling, molding, heat treating, or sintering.

What does material structure describe?

Structure describes organization at scales from atoms and molecules to grains, pores, phases, and larger features.

What are material properties?

Properties are measurable responses, such as strength, stiffness, electrical conductivity, density, and corrosion resistance.

What does material performance mean?

Performance is how a material behaves in its intended service, considering component design and operating conditions.

How are processing, structure, properties, and performance connected?

The framework links processing, structure, properties, and performance in a feedback loop: engineers evaluate results and refine material and process choices.

How can rolling affect steel?

Rolling can alter steel’s internal grain structure and increase its strength, helping a part resist deformation in service.

Why doesn’t a material’s name alone guarantee its performance?

Processing may introduce defects or residual stresses, so a material’s name alone does not guarantee how it will perform.

How do structural and functional materials differ?

Structural materials carry loads or protect structures; functional materials provide a specific electrical, optical, magnetic, or other function.

What are common characteristics of metals and alloys?

Metals and alloys commonly have metallic bonding and crystalline structures; many conduct heat and electricity well and can deform before fracture.

What distinguishes many ceramics and glasses?

Many ceramics and glasses resist heat, wear, and chemical attack, but can be brittle. Glasses lack crystals’ long-range periodic order.

What defines polymers, and what are some common traits?

Polymers are built from long molecular chains. They are often lightweight and shapeable, with widely varying stiffness, flexibility, and temperature limits.