Strategy and tactics in the search for new materials technology

Abstract

We discuss ways of overcoming the crisis in which an exponential accumulation of information about any specific material is not accompanied by the development of theories allowing the use of the accumulated information to create new materials. To systematize the existing information and identify process regularity leading to the transformation of a substance into material, the Fokker-Planck equation is proposed, with frequency functions subject to experimental determination. It is shown that the use of this equation will supplement currently adopted methods for the creation of functional materials so that materials are the most consistent with consumer requirements and that they contribute to development of the theory. This upgrade is an important tactical problem that will prepare the development of a material theory that ensures a priori selection its optimal technology.