Section 1.2 Materials and Process Selection Methods

This chapter discusses the materials required and the process selection methods in modeling. Designing efficiently for structural applications requires both a proper dimensioning of the structure and an appropriate choice of the materials and the process used to give them the most suitable shape. Selecting the most appropriate materials is a task which should be done at the very beginning of the design procedure and all along the various steps, from conceptual design to detail design through embodiment design. This chapter focuses on the tools used to compare materials rather than on their implementation as computer software. The modeling involved in the performance index method is standard strength of materials. The search for an optimal solution requires more refined optimization techniques. The possible use of micromechanics and optimization methods in the development of materials with the aim of meeting a giving set of requirements is outlined in the chapter. Further, the need to structure and store the expertise in process selection is illustrated, and the need for modeling in this area is also highlighted.