Design Requirements-Materials Properties: A Basis for Materials Selection

Abstract

Some areas of primary importance have been identified in order to manage the materials selection process in design. This process is rationalized in terms of interactions between materials properties and design requirements. During the product development there is a gradual reduction in the number of potential materials but with increased demands on completeness of the information. This convergence procedure may be formalized in a pattern of decision making rules. The use of computerized materials databases requires well developed communication systems to allow for efficient incorporation in the design process. A computerized materials information system, COMAS, has been developed to meet the requirements in product development. The final part of the paper concerns the possibilities of identifying common variables of different materials or properties by the aid of multivariate analysis. Cluster, component, and discriminant analysis are exemplified on specific materials.