materials Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are engineering materials?
Substances used in the construction of machines, structures, and devices, selected based on their mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical properties.
Name the three main classes of engineering materials.
Metals, polymers, and ceramics
What is the main difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals?
Ferrous metals contain iron; non-ferrous metals do not.
Give two examples of ferrous metals.
Cast iron and steel.
Give two examples of non-ferrous metals
Aluminum and copper.
What are polymers?
Materials made of long, repeating molecular chains; typically lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
What distinguishes thermosetting plastics from thermoplastics?
Thermosets harden permanently after curing; they cannot be remelted.
Name two common thermoplastics.
Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
What are ceramics?
Inorganic, non-metallic materials that are hard and brittle, such as porcelain or silicon carbide.
What is a composite material?
A material made from two or more constituents with significantly different physical or chemical properties.
Give two examples of composite materials.
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer and fiberglass.
What is hardness in materials?
The ability of a material to resist deformation, particularly surface indentation or scratching.
Define ductility.
The ability of a material to deform plastically without breaking, often measured by how much it can be stretched.
What does toughness measure in a material?
The ability to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing.
What is fatigue failure?
The progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading.
Define corrosion.
The chemical or electrochemical reaction between a material (usually a metal) and its environment, leading to deterioration.
What is thermal conductivity?
A material’s ability to conduct heat.
What is the purpose of heat treatment in metals?
To alter mechanical properties such as hardness, toughness, and ductility through controlled heating and cooling.
What is Young’s Modulus?
A measure of the stiffness of a material, defined as stress divided by strain in the linear elastic region.
