2.01 - Introduction to Materials Modeling and Characterization

Abstract

The relative importance of the classes of engineering materials as well as the development of methods for the characterization and modeling of their properties and manufacturing processes has been changing over the centuries. The empirical methods and mathematical models from physics of the continuum that had a major historical importance are now increasingly giving place to the new modeling approaches taking into account the structure of matter by using computer-aided technology in the design of new materials, structures, and processes. In this sense, this chapter presents a brief introduction for Volume 2 - Materials Characterization and Modeling, included in the Elsevier book series: Comprehensive Materials Processing. The contributions of the 13 chapters of this volume deal with the characterization and modeling of the different phenomena that take part in the response of material when it undergoes processing and/or interaction with some energy form. The topics of materials testing and metal forming, surface treatments, machining processes, as well as other material processing processes are the object of other specific volumes of this series; however, many of the considerations made in this volume may apply to those areas. Within this scope, the main aim of this volume is to present some approaches for modeling and characterization with applications and developments for the special requirements of the materials characterization and modeling research field. The emphasis is on what is changing and must still change in order to provide materials and mechanical engineering with more useful and efficient models that can meet the increasing demand for accurate methods for materials processing and product development simulation.