First questions about Science and Engineering of Materials

First questions about Science and Engineering of Materials

1. Iron is often coated with a thin layer of zinc if it is to be used outside. What characteristics do

you think the zinc provides to this coated, or galvanized, steel? What precautions should be

considered in producing this product? How will the recyclability of the product be affected?

2. We would like to produce a transparent canopy for an aircraft. If we were to use a ceramic

(that is, traditional window glass) canopy, rocks or birds might cause it to shatter. Design a

material that would minimize damage or at least keep the canopy from breaking into pieces.

3. Coiled springs ought to be very strong and stiff. Si3N4 is a strong, stiff material. Would you

select this material for a spring? Explain.

4. Temperature indicators are sometimes produced from a coiled metal strip that uncoils a

specific amount when the temperature increases. How does this work; from what kind of

material would the indicator be made; and what are the important properties that the material

in the indicator must possess?

5. You would like to design an aircraft that can be flown by human power nonstop for a distance

of 30 km. What types of material properties would you recommend? What materials might be

appropriate?

6. You would like to place a three-foot diameter microsatellite into orbit. The satellite will contain

delicate electronic equipment that will send and receive radio signals from earth. Design the

outer shell within which the electronic equipment is contained. What properties will be

required and what kind of materials might be considered?

7. What properties should the head of a carpenter’s hammer possess? How would you

manufacture a hammer head?

8. The hull of the space shuttle consists of ceramic tiles bonded to an aluminum skin. Discuss

the design requirements of the shuttle hull that led to the use of this combination of materials.

What problems in producing the hull might the designers and manufacturers have faced?

9. You would like to select a material for the electrical contacts in an electrical switching device

which opens and closes frequently and forcefully. What properties should the contact material

possess? What type of material might you recommend? Would Al2O3 (alumina) be a good

choice? Explain.

10. Aluminum has a density of 2.7 g/cm3. Suppose you would like to produce a composite

material based on aluminum having a density of 1.5 g/cm3. Design a material that would

have this density. Would introducing beads of polyethylene, with a density of 0.95 g/cm3, into

the aluminum be a likely possibility? Explain.

...