Author's Homepage: Kurt M. Marshek
Chapter 3: Materials
"The selection of materials and the processes use in fabrication are integral parts of the design on any machine component. Strength and rigidity are traditionally key factors considered in the selection of a material. Equally important are the relative reliability and durability of the part when made from alternative material. When the component is expected to operate at extreme temperatures, this must be considered carefully when selecting the material. In recent years, choices of materials have been increasingly influenced by recyclability, energy requirements, and environmental pollution. Cost and availability are also vitally important. The cost to be considered is the total cost of the fabricated part, including labor and overhead as well as the material itself. The relative cost and availability of various materials vary with time, with the result that the engineer is frequency called upon to evaluate alternative materials in the light of changing market conditions. In summary, the best material for a particular application is the one that provides the best value, defined as the ratio between overall performance and total cost."
or by typing Shift Enter.