What is Material: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A material is a substance or mixture of substances that constitutes an object. Materials can be pure or impure, living or non-living matter. Materials can be classified based on their physical and chemical properties, or on their geological origin or biological function. Materials science is the study of materials and their applications.
Raw materials can be processed in different ways to influence their properties, by purification, shaping or the introduction of other materials. New materials can be produced from raw materials by synthesis.
In industry, materials are inputs to manufacturing processes to produce products or more complex materials.

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  1. V

    Difference between a flexo electric and peizo electric material

    Hello, I'm struggling to understand the exact conceptual difference between a flexo electric and peizo electric material. I mean, they seem more or less the same. could anyone please help me understand?
  2. S

    Material balance help, chemical engineering

    Homework Statement Toluene is recovered from a mixture of toluene and nitrogen (containing 52 mol% toluene) by cooling the mixture at constant pressure of 1.2 bar to condense out some of the toluene. If the flow rate of the mixture into the condenser is 179 kmol h-1, determine the flowrate of...
  3. M

    Question in material structure.

    Assuming atoms pack together as hard spheres , find the largest intenstihal atom that can fit in a BCC arrangement of iron atoms . Take the radius of the irom atoms as 1,21 Å . Carry out the same calculations for an FCC arrangment of iron atoms . On the basis of these caluclation would you...
  4. H

    Doped Semiconductor material

    Homework Statement Suppose an unknown semiconductor material has bandgap energy of .1 eV. Density of states for conduction and valence bands are both = 10^18cm^-3. If the material is doped with shallow donors (n-type) Nd=10^17cm^-3, what is electron and hole concentrations? Homework...
  5. R

    Finding B and H at Center of Disk: Linear Magnetic Material

    Homework Statement A linear magnetic material in the shape of a circular disk of radius R and thickness d (d<<R) has a uniform magnetization M parallel to its axis. Find B and H at the center of the disk Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution As the magnetization is uniform...
  6. K

    Mystery material found in ashes of fire

    I came into my engineering class this morning and our teacher showed us this strange material. He got the material from a student who recently went hiking. According to the student, he and his father went into the woods and started a fire in an old metal tire rim. They threw a bunch of old...
  7. S

    Material balance- purge cycle help

    I am really struggling to get to grips with this question, ( struggling with material balance overall!) I can do dimple material balance however for things with a recycle stream or purge stream, really confuses me. I have the solution which I will post up, but I still don't get 'why' it...
  8. M

    Vapor Pressure Effects on Material Growth

    hi, I am confused about how the vapor pressure affects the materials growth. Can someone comment on the following : If the vapor pressure of a precursor, let's say N, is high then it will be hard to grow a material containing N because it will be hard to incorporate it onto the substrate...
  9. C

    Engineering Marketability of Material Science and Engineering Degree

    What is the ratio of graduates to job positions for graduates?
  10. S

    Minimize the material used in a cylinder

    Homework Statement A cylinder with an open top is to be constructed with a predetermined volume of 1metre cube. the base of the cylinder is to be cut from a sqaure sheet of material, and the rest of the square sheet is to be discarded, find the dimension which minimize the material used...
  11. Y

    Electric & Magnetic Fields at Point P with Dielectric/Magnetic Material

    Electric/magnetic field at point P in presence of dielectric/magnetic material. I want to confirm either the electric field at a point P in space in an \vec E_{ext} field with the presence of a dielectric material is the sum of the \vec E_{ext} and electric field \vec E_{p} from the...
  12. 3

    Conductive material also UV transparent ?

    Hi all, For a while now I have been searching for an electrically conductive material which is also UV transparent. Anyone here has come across such a material (solid or liquid) ? Thanks :)
  13. D

    Deceptively difficult material balance problem. HELP

    I have been working on what I thought was an easy problem. This was a one hour quiz in which the whole class failed, the instructor decided to give it as a homework assignment instead. ------problem start--------- Considerable interest exists in the conversion of coal into liquid products...
  14. V

    Questions about material for flywheel storage in automotive field

    Hello I have composed some figures for a flywheel system that would be used in a custom car and involve multiple flywheels. The vehicle would be use the flywheels for energy storage and recovery, and would be powered by electric engines placed on the drive axles. These flywheels would be...
  15. U

    What are the Best Resources for Learning Contest-Type Mathematics?

    I'm currently in IB SL Math (No HL here unfortunately), and I wish to learn more about contest-type mathematics as I have 3-4 contest here this year. Is there any books/materials that's useful for me? I have taken a look at this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0817645276/?tag=pfamazon01-20...
  16. P

    A sample consisting of potassium chlorate and an inert material

    Homework Statement A sample consisting of potassium chlorate and an inert material is intensely heated. The weight loss observed is 20.0 %. What percentage of the sample is inert material? 2. The attempt at a solution I know when you heat potassium chlorate and another material, the...
  17. Y

    Alignment of micro dipoles in magnetic material in external magnetic field.

    I just want to verify that the dipole moment \vec{m} in the presence of external magnetic field \vec{B} will line up in the the same direction and parallel with the external field. This is according to the right hand rule that if magnetic field is the direction of the thumb, the current will...
  18. A

    What does the conductivity of a material depend on ?

    Not sure if this belongs in this subforum or not...if not my apologies What does the conductivity of a material depend on: the energy/band gap of the material or the free electron density of the material? We were posed this question on an exam and I said the answer was the energy gap of the...
  19. J

    What are the phases present after quenching a sample of 1040 steel?

    Homework Statement http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/1996/graphyw.png Homework Equations [PLAIN]http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4379/5400ad3870194a9786484cb.gif [PLAIN][PLAIN]http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/2517/4bb673fefcbe473fa83e468.gif The Attempt at a Solution I...
  20. alemsalem

    What are good material on thermoluminescence?

    I'm going to start working on developing thermoluminescence material by studying effects of impurities (at my university),, i need references as well as brief intuitive descriptions and things like that,, links to important papers on the subject will be appreciated as well.. thnx
  21. C

    Revisiting Intro Physics: Retention and Preparation for Higher Levels

    I got A's in Intro Physics but after its now been a few years and I am reviewing this stuff so I will be better prepared. I am reading through an Intro Physics book but find that I have forgotten a lot of this stuff. I seemed to have retained a lot of the general ideas but am not doing...
  22. A

    Is there an invisible, solid material with the refractive index of air?

    I think it would be swell to have a sphere made of a clear, solid material that had the refractive index of air, because it would essentially be invisible. Is there anything even close to this?
  23. F

    Skimming Boom Design, Material Selection & Bending Moments, Agri Mech.

    I'm currently studying Agri. Mech. Eng but I need some help on this, I know roughly what to do but it's where to start: 1. Design a skimming boom for a biomass slurry transfer tank which can have a reach of 7.5m. Tool must attach to a "quick hitch" plate - factory spec for the loader is...
  24. O

    Find equation of state of material usiing its compressability and expansivity.

    1. Homework Statement A substance has an isothermal compressibility k= (aT^3)/(P^2) and an expansivity B = (bT^2)/P where a and b are constants, T is temperature, P is pressure. Find the equation of state of the substance. 2. Homework Equations B= 1/v(dv/dT) (v is specific volume aka...
  25. W

    For two abjects of same material the following law must obeyed

    One of our teachers says that For two abjects of same material the following law must obeyd. i.e the ratios of their masses will be equal to the ration of their areas, wether this law works for objects of same shape or different? what is the name of this law? give me a link from which i...
  26. A

    Material for learning finite difference solution to Hamilton-Jacobi equation

    Hello, I have a homework of implementing finite difference solution of Hamilton-Jacobi equation using Matlab. The instructor is using her own set of notes. I'm a bit lost in details of the formulation (basically I want to learn more about the concept of characteristic curves, the merits of using...
  27. B

    Sphere falling through viscous material - velcoity calc

    I'm dropping a sphere from a known height, and it enters a viscous fluid. I know the initial velocity as it enters the fluid, from there I need the velocity as it falls through the fluid (as a function of time). I know it should approach it's settling velocity (terminal velocity) and from...
  28. A

    Creating Custom Materials in Workbench: A Guide for Engineers

    Hey guys, How do I create my own material in workbench? The material that I need is not available in engineering data. I have all the material properties that I need, just having hard time figuring that out. Thanks in advance
  29. O

    Programs Material Science with a Physics and Chemistry Major

    I am working toward my B.S. in Physics and Chemistry with the hope that both disciplines will converge to a good platform for me to pursue material science. My university doesn't offer a curriculum for mat. sci. and I was advised to do both (if I could pull it off.) The advantage, thus far...
  30. L

    Fluid Mechanics - Material derivative proofs

    Homework Statement l is an infintesimal material element of length. show that: Dl/Dt = l dot grad u where l is a smallelement that exists in the velocity field u. Consider its position at time t and t+dt The Attempt at a Solution have l(x,t) where x is representing all...
  31. J

    Modelling a vacuum pipe using an orthogonal material

    Hi! I'm trying to model a vacuum pipe on Ansys. I've already modeled it using an isotropic material, assuming its a plane strain problem (infinate pipe), but now I want to use a laminate structure composed of an orthogonal material such as nomex (honeycomb) with a seal tight layer of Al or...
  32. A

    Need professional help on silicon material

    Anyone has backgroud on silicon material or VLSI engineering please sound off, I will pm you or please pm me advance. Thanks in advance.
  33. C

    Testing GRE physics - need advice studying material

    So, a friend and I are writing the GRE physics in two months. We are both studying in Sweden where almost NOBODY ever writes the GRE, and none of my fellow students know what it is. There is therefore a great shortage of advice, experience, tips, standardized courses and material. Are...
  34. E

    Thin Chalkboard-Like Material?

    Has anyone ever seen this stuff? In class the other day one of my professors moved the sliding chalkboards around to reveal the behind-most chalkboard. As he was writing/erasing you could see the board ripple suggesting it was made from a much thinner than normal chalkboard. I am getting sick...
  35. V

    How does a laser heat up a material?

    Can you please provide some explanation for the following two questions? Or please provide some links. Thank you. 1.) How does a laser heat up a material? Does the material absorb a photon and the material's atom gets excited? - when the atom relaxes, it emit an energy equal to that of the...
  36. J

    Trying to find substitution material for Ultrasound gel

    Hi, I am developing a Ultrasound application where the sensor will be in contact with the skin but I can't use gel for accoustic coupling (or any liquid). Any ideas of materials (suppliers) for this purpose ? Thanks/Brgds Joao
  37. R

    Help with Analytical Mechanics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra

    Hi i want to study analytical mechanics. Should i read up on differential equations and linear algebra before starting on analytical mechanics? How about electromagnetism (beyond year 1 level)? Which is better to start, electromagnetism or analytical mechanics? And how about the math? Can...
  38. A

    Different mechanical measures of a material

    Hi all, I'm attempting to get a feel for the different mechanical measures of a material, e.g., strength, toughness, stiffness, etc. I'm looking around, and I can't seem to figure out where a measure of stretchiness would fit in, that being how much a material will actually stretch or deform...
  39. N

    Looking for instructive material on IR transmitters/receivers

    Unfortunately I have not been able to find anything reasonable online. I'd like an in depth all-inclusive explanation of IR transmitters and receivers, from a physical standpoint. I would also be glad to learn whatever else is included in the reading material, if anything. I have basic...
  40. S

    Material used in Calc 1 for Calc 2

    So i went to my first calc 2 class today, and i was lost =( i took calc 1 2 semesters ago and i don't remember anything (i got a B+ on calc 1) few students felt the same way, and ask the professor what to do, and his reply was "will you consider take calc1 again? Thats my best advise" But i...
  41. I

    Can you find out the date of a radioactive material wothout

    You have 100 grams of radioactive material, how do i know the half life and the time i have 100 grams of material X. you do not know the half-life you do not know the time it started to decay what is its half-life/starting time? is this equation even solvable? if so, how?
  42. N

    Calculating Material Bandgap Using Quantum Theory

    Quantum theory says that the energy, E , (in eV) of a photon of wavelength λ is E = hc/eλ, where h is Planck's Constant, c is the velocity of light and e is the charge on an electron. Calculate the bandgap of a material which absorbs electrons shorter than 500nm.
  43. F

    Non-constant index of refraction due to layered material.

    A ray of light travels through a medium with an index of refraction n_{1} and strikes an layered medium such that the index of refraction is n_{2}=ky+1 where y is the depth of the medium and k is a constant. If it hits at an angle of \theta_{1} with respect to the normal, find the angle...
  44. D

    , regarding breathable material

    Eager young mind at work im trying to come up with a concept of a suit that you ware at work, the main purpose is to let you have in on (like a uniform) but with a different design and material i have done some research but let's face it unless there is a different browser out there that I am...
  45. M

    Find Suitable Material to Withstand 200°C & Produce Low Noise

    Hi everyone, Can anyone suggest a raw material that has the properties similar to steel and produce less noise when meshing with other part. I thought of polymers like Cast nylon, HDPE etc, but the issue is, it has to withstand a temp of around 200°C, during working condition. Thanks...
  46. L

    Wool Material Shrinking from Heat

    I have a hat, made from what I believe is rabbit hair (not leather, just the hair). I sometimes leave it in the car. I have noticed that if I leave it in the car for a long period, when it is hot, the hat shrinks. I have 2 questions. A. Why does this shrinking happen? B. Is there any way to...
  47. L

    Finding a Material to Reflect Radio Waves

    i was trying to look for which forum to put this in so sorry if its in the wrong one. :D Im working on a project and i need a material that is able to reflect radio waves, like a mirror reflects light. any ideas for which material will reflect?
  48. M

    Calculating Heat Flow Through a Block of Material

    Homework Statement A block of material with a cross sectional area of 15cm^2 and length of 8cm is at hand. A temperature difference of 30degrees is established and maintained across the block. Find the rate of heat flow through it if the material is wood (K = 0.08Js-1m-1C-1) Homework...
  49. A

    When will a material burn if a laser is shone on it?

    Hi there, This may sound like a silly question, but I'm looking at shining a high power laser onto a target material for a fixed period of time. I have modeled Alumina in Ansys Icepak, and the temperature increase has come to 4700 degrees C. This maximum temperature is only reached for...
  50. S

    Can Static Toughness Data Accurately Predict Impact Load Failures?

    let me explain i do a static tensile test and get the stress strain graph. the area under the graph is the toughness that means i can use this static toughness data to predict the failure under impact loads other idea is that i have done a impact toughess test. if i can get the...
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