Material Selection, material indexes

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The discussion focuses on selecting materials for a design project, specifically aiming to support a tensile load of 50 kg while minimizing weight. The user is utilizing material indexes to identify the best material but is uncertain about maintaining the initial constraint after minimizing the density to failure strength ratio. Responses clarify that while the substitution in the equations helps simplify the problem, it is essential to verify that the chosen material meets all constraints, including cross-sectional area. Additionally, it is emphasized that factors like fatigue and environmental specifications should be prioritized when selecting materials. Ultimately, confirming that the final material choice adheres to all design requirements is crucial for successful application.
Thom_Silva
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Hi,

I'm working in a design team for the first time and I'm in charge of choosing a material for an application. I have the constraints, support a tensile load of 50 kg , and the objective which is minimize the weight.
I'm using the concept of material indexes to find the best material for the application:

upload_2017-7-4_12-35-55.png

The equation that I want to minimize, regarding that the following constraint is maintained:

upload_2017-7-4_12-36-21.png


If we substitute A in the first equation we get:

upload_2017-7-4_12-36-38.png


The problem i have now understanding is that the method tells me that i should only carry in minimizing (density/ failure strength), if i find the material that in fact minimizes this, how do i now the first constraint:
upload_2017-7-4_12-36-21.png


is maintained, in literature I'm recurring to they never check this, should i check this for the material i end up choosing , or is this step unnecessary ?

Thank you very much !
 
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The substitution you made eliminates the cross section area A. That clearly doesn't mean the part can have an arbitrary cross section area (eg A=0).

It's like solving two simultaneous equations involving x and y. You usually make a substitution that eliminates one variable and allows the other to be calculated. You then have to go back and find the other one.
 
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The fatigue and environmental specifications are usually most important. First identify suitable materials that are available, then design solutions that can be attached to the structure without attachment, fastener, fatigue or corrosion problems.
 
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