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3.1.4 Physical Properties of Materials

Physical properties include aspects of a material that can be measured and observed without it changing in any way.

SL

A. Design in Theory

A3.1 Material classification and properties

By the end of this topic, you should be able to...

explain density, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, melting point, electrical resistivity and electrical conductivity.

Guiding Question

How do material properties and classifications aid material selection for a specified manufacturing process?

Linking Questions

  • Why is a good understanding of material properties important when designing structural systems? (A3.2)

  • When do the physical properties of materials restrict the ability to use certain prototyping techniques? (A2.2)

  • How do the properties of a material influence the choice of manufacturing techniques for a product? (A4.1)

  • How can the characteristics of a material limit the effectiveness of modelling and prototyping as designs are developed? (B2.2)

  • How important is an understanding of the mechanical properties of a material when considering structural and mechanical systems, and their applications? (A3.2, A3.3, B3.2, B3.3)

  • Which classifications of properties are important when developing electronic systems and their applications? (A3.4, B3.4)

  • How could the continued development of biodegradable materials influence designers’ ability to address aspects of design for sustainability and design for a circular economy? (C2.1, C2.2)

  • Why is a thorough understanding of materials key for effective product analysis and evaluation of products? (C3.1)

  • How do design decisions related to the properties of materials and components impact a product’s life-cycle analysis? (C3.2)

Everything is designed.

Few things are designed well.

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