Materials Engineering

Materials engineering is a discipline which uses the fundamental properties and characteristics of materials to study about its utility in construction. Any material is chosen for its advantageous properties in construction. In sciences such as civil, chemical, construction, nuclear, aeronautical, agricultural, mechanical and biomedical or electrical engineering it is observed that new construction materials herald the arrival of new sciences. The mechanical, physical, chemical and electrical attributes of a material are studied which determines its usage in a particular construction. The engineering related to materials forms as a foundation for other engineering sub disciplines. 

The Concept of Materials Science

Investigation of relation within the structures of materials in atomic, molecular or macroscopic levels is used in material engineering. Applied physics and chemistry are incorporated here. In the past few decades more focus has been placed on nano science and nano technology. Materials engineering is a vital aspect of forensic engineering and failure analysis.

Materials are classified as ionic crystals, covalent crystals, metals, inter metallics, semiconductors, polymers, composite materials and vitreous materials. Nano technology, micro technology, crystallography, materials characterization, metallurgy, biomaterials, electronic and magnetic materials, tribology, surface science and ceramography are various sub topics which come under materials science.

The relation between structure and properties is made use in this context. Scientists observe the different combination of molecules in different properties and manipulate the uses of mankind from them. Materials science links several disciplines and extracts maximum benefits for construction purposes. Therefore a material engineer is not confined to one particular industry.

History

The phrases such as Stone Age, Bronze Age and Steel Age vouch the fact that civilizations were developed and based by tools made of particular materials. Modern material science evolved with the developments that took place in understanding metallurgy. The importance of materials-engineering reached its peak in the late 19^th century when the American scientist Josiah Willard Gibbs displayed thermodynamic properties of atomic structures and their relation to physical properties at various phases. Plastics, Semiconductors and Biomaterials are results of the developments made in material science.

Uses

Materials engineering has been used in materials design, cost effective industrial production, processing techniques and analytical techniques. The blend of physics and material engineering gave rise to a beneficial sub discipline known as materials physics which observes the physical properties of materials. Material science is used to study the exploitation of metal alloys, polymers, ceramics and glasses and composite materials in the favor of mankind.

Questions:

• Mention uses of materials engineering.
• Name classification of materials.