Material Information System Research Articles

What is a materials data system?

During the last two decades considerable efforts have been made to develop computerized data systems for engineering materials. The results have not come up to the expectations of systems that can be used by designers for selecting of materials. Some factors have been recognized as responsible for the slow progress. It has proved difficult, however, for those involved in this development to make use of such information about the systems in question. Conflicts have occurred between different parties involved. It now seems that too little attention has been paid to the historical background of knowledge and systems related to civiliziation and society. A recently published review of world history from the point of view of the emergence of information technology has provided a basis for some considerations about the nature and roles of data systems. It can be shown that certain activities or features characterize each period of civilization and the development of computers and computerization should be considered as part of this sequence. The same is true for the world history of thinking and knowledge. In the present paper these historical considerations are combined with the observation that in their thinking and perception of ideas people appear to carry with them traditions from the past in varying degrees. Hence differences of opinion about the nature and roles of materials data systems may be explained by differences in the imprint of historical developments on people's ideas. In order to apply this lesson to the development of materials data systems, one has to learn also from the varying interpretations of world history that have been written through the ages. The best approach will probably be incremental and pragmatic rather than holistic and synoptic.

Visions, illusions and myths about materials data systems

This paper deals with various aspects of the development of data systems for engineering materials. The problem considered here is the difference between the end-users' mental model of materials, which focuses on performance, and the concepts of properties of materials held by materials specialists. Previous treatises on this problem have elaborated on systems aspects in general, emphasising incompatibilities in the relationship mentioned and the means of overcoming these incompatibilities by service management. Another perspective applied has been the historical one, combined with experience of traditional views on science and technology. The present paper pursues this general path by discussing the problem in terms of visions, illusions and myths. These phenomena are thought to be both inevitable in this context and necessary in any attempt to understand the dilemma of data systems for engineering materials. It is believed that the views of the different parties involved are to a great extent steered by visions, illusions and myths, examples of which are discussed. Furthermore, it is suggested that these phenomena have roots in, or are expressions of, paradigms and values related to world pictures. Admittedly eclectic, this discussion leads to the conclusion that a solution to the dilemma in question cannot be found within computer science, materials technology and design theory only. Guidance has to be sought in philosophy and theory of science as well as in literature and the arts. In order to make it possible to implement ideas arrived at by such means, practitioners of psychology will probably have to be consulted.

Computerized materials-information systems

Progress made in the development of computerized materials-information systems and current activities are reviewed both at the national level and internationally. Reasons for the lack of full realization of the opportunities offered by modern computers are elaborated and discussed. An intensified need for international collaboration and coordination is indicated. Advanced materials, ceramics, plastics, intermetallic compounds, fibres, and composites, are appearing at an accelerating rate and there is strong demand for quick and reliable computer access to their properties. However, these new materials pose special problems for the data compiler and analyst: the properties and combinations of properties required are often new; there is a marked lack of standardization of materials, properties and test methods; the new materials are often not homogeneous, monolithic and ‘off-the-shelf’, but are rather ad hoc tailored compositions, microand macro-scale composite structures with strongly process-related properties; and there is increasing insistence by designers on property values of designated reliability. The challenge is to accumulate data - numeric, tabular and graphic - from diverse sources, convert it to machine-readable form with a harmonized array of metadata descriptors and present the resulting database(s) to the user in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

The Problem of Materials Selection and the Roles of Materials Information Systems

SUMMARY An evaluation of materials information systems is made which shows that they can be classified as either data-based or knowledge-based and different applications may require the use of different types. Materials selection requires the use of a knowledge base followed by, possibly, data bases for a complete solution to the problem. The design of the PERITUS knowledge base for the selection of engineering materials is briefly described and an educational version of this system is now available. A combination of knowledge and data bases forming a harmonised system for the provision of materials information is being developed in the Materials Demonstrator Data Base Programme of the Commission of the European Communities.

A paradox in the development of computerized materials data systems: by Dr N.A. Waterman, Associate Editor

A paradox in the development of computerized materials data systems: by Dr N.A. Waterman, Associate Editor

A paradox in the development of computerized materials data systems

In principle, computerization of engineering materials data should be a means of coping with the rapidly increasing amount of information in this field. In practice, however, there is only little common use of the several existing data banks for materials. It appears that something is missing in the construction and operation of the systems. One reason may be the fact that so far computerization has been dealt with principally by materials scientists and engineers, not involving to a sufficient degree the users, designers and manufacturers of industrial products. In order to proceed successfully one has to examine users' attitudes and problem solving processes, using experts on service management and cognitive and social psychology.

An Inventory Management and Materials Information System for Aircraft Production

An inventory management system and a materials information system were developed for an aircraft plant in India. They include an inventory classification scheme based on value and importance, and a vendor rating system. The new system resulted in a reduction of inventory by 10% and of overall delivery time by three months for the year.

Materials information systems for public policy making

The objective of an information system should be to provide the decision maker, at the time of his decision, with a full, acute, and accurate awareness of the varying consequences of his options. This article looks at the materials information systems used by the US government in its general relationship to such a goal. More importantly, it attempts to evaluate systematically the specific requirements that such systems should meet to satisfy such a goal.