15; 1-Materials Science

Materials science

study of materials to understand their properties, limits, and uses

Material Properties

key characteristics of a material commonly classified into six main categories: physical, electrical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical, and chemical.

physical properties

density, melting point, and specific heat.

Electrical properties

reaction of a material to an electric field. Typical electrical properties are dielectric strength, conductivity, permeability, permittivity, and electrical resistance.

Magnetic properties

properties exhibited by materials when they are exposed to magnetic fields. Magnetic properties include magnetic field strength and magnetic susceptibility.

Thermal properties

properties that are observed when heat energy is applied to a material. Examples include thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, heat of fusion, and glass transition temperature.

Mechanical properties

relationship between properties and mechanical (i.e., physical) forces, such as stresses, strains, and applied force. Examples include strength, toughness, ductility, hardness, fatigue, and creep.

Chemical properties

properties that are evident only when a substance is changed chemically. Common chemical properties include oxidation, corrosion, degradation, toxicity, and flammability.