Phase diagrams are crucial for understanding the behavior of elements, compounds, and solutions. They offer valuable insights into phase composition and stability based on temperature (T), pressure (P), and composition (C). Additionally, phase diagrams enable us to study and manage key processes. For example, they can be used to understand phase separation, solidification, sintering, purification,…
What is the history of casting? Casting is the oldest manufacturing process, the first casting of metals can actually be traced all the way back to around 4000 BC: copper castings in Mesopotamia. Around 3500 BC, Bronze casting was developed by the ancient Sumerians in western Asia. Around 1200 BC bronze casting started to appear in Greece,…
Background and Theory This laboratory experiment investigates the surface tension of different working fluids and how contamination can drastically affect surface tension. Surface tension is a result of the molecules deep within the fluid repelling each other while the molecules at the surface attract each other [1]. Introducing contaminates like detergents into the surface of…
What is an example of torsion force? An example of a torsional force would be anytime a force acting on an object results in a twisted or rotating motion. This twisting movement happens when an applied torque or force encounters an opposing force which generates shear strain. This opposing force could be a result of…
The Charpy impact test, also commonly referred to as the Charpy V-notch test by material scientists, serves as a standardized high-strain rate examination to quantify the energy absorbed by a material upon fracture. The absorbed energy functions as an indicator of the material’s notch toughness. Widely employed in various industries, this test is favored for…
Tension test, alternatively referred to as tensile testing or uniaxial tension test, is one of the most commonly used tests to determine important material parameters such as Young’s modulus, yield strength, ultimate strength, elongation at break, Poisson’s ratio, and Lankford coefficients (R-values). Tension testing constitutes a foundational test in materials science and engineering, involving the…
What is the process of powder metallurgy? The powder metallurgy is a manufacturing process which can form ferrous and non-ferrous parts from metallic and/or ceramic powder into their intended shape. Powder metallurgy (P/M) process comprises three steps: producing/blending the powders, compacting the mixed powders in a die, and merging and joining the powder into a…
You might be asking yourself why should you care about the inverse lever rule. If an alloy contains multiple phases, the lever rule can be used to determine the proportions of each phase. This rule is analogous to a simple balance, where the composition of the alloy acts as the fulcrum, and the compositions of…
Why are metals important? Metals are used virtually everywhere from paperclips to huge tractors or aircraft. A tractor uses various metals for various components, for example, copper is used to help cool off the engine because of its thermal properties. The engine block is made from cast iron because of its high strength. Finally, the…