POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Topic 2.2: Material Properties
Preface
Material properties are an important piece of information that engineers rely on when selecting the
best material for a design solution. For instance in the 1988 Challenger space shuttle disaster, an oring seal failed, causing the death of seven astronauts. A misunderstanding about the limits of a
material led to this accident.
Engineers often deal with the design of useful products that require materials with certain
characteristics or properties. Complexity is increased when we consider that new materials are
constantly being developed, and their application in new products drives economic growth.
Engineers, therefore, must know how to make sense of the multitude of different materials available.
When existing materials don’t provide the desired properties, engineers create new materials called
synthetics. Synthetic materials allow engineers to be extremely innovative when designing solutions
to society’s needs.
Sometimes the focus isn’t on the creation of a new material, but on the creation of advanced recycling
technology. Nike is one of
several corporations
assisting engineers with
innovative recycling
technology. For instance,
Nike has worked with
engineers to develop a
method of recycling athletic
shoes. The recycled shoes
are ground up and used for
the production of basketball
courts, tracks, playgrounds,
etc.
This lesson is designed to
provide students with an
opportunity to investigate
the basic categories and
properties of materials.
Students will discover how
products are made and
how they are recycled once
they are no longer useful.
http://minerals.usgs.gov/plan/2006-2010/goal4.html
Concepts
Materials are the substances in which all things are made.
Materials are composed of elements and area categorized by physical and chemical properties.
Materials consist on pure elements, compounds and mixtures and are typically classified as metallic,
ceramic, organic, polymeric, and composite.
Material properties including recyclability and cost are important considerations for engineers when
choosing appropriate materials for a design.
Material selection is based upon mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, and chemical properties.
Raw materials undergo various manufacturing processes in the production of consumer goods.
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Performance Objectives
It is expected that students will:
Investigate specific material properties related to a common household product.
Conduct investigative non-destructive material property tests on selected common household product
including testing for continuity, ferrous metal, hardness, and flexure.
Calculate weight, volume, mass, density, and surface area of selected common household product
Identify the manufacturing processes used to create the selected common household product.
Identify the recycling codes.
Promote recycle using current media trends.
Assessment
Explanation
Students will explain the difference between the basic properties of materials,
magnetic, mechanical, and physical.
such as electrical,
Interpretation
Students will write journal entries reflecting on their learning and experiences. An example writing
prompt: What is something you learned today about material properties, material categories,
manufacturing processes, or recycling that you did not understand or know before?
Application
Students will apply their knowledge of materials, material processes, and recycling in the critique of a
product that they use everyday, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
Perspective
At the conclusion of the lesson, students will reflect on what they would have done differently if the
recycling project were to be repeated.
Self-knowledge
Students will reflect on their work by recording their thoughts and ideas in journals. They may use
self-assessments as a basis for improvement. Ideas and questions students may pose and
answer in their journals are:
Today the hardest concept for me to understand was . . .
When I work in a group, I find that . . .
When I work by myself, I find that . . .
What did I accomplish today?
Now that I have completed this task, what is next?
Essential Questions
How does an engineer predict the performance and safety for a selected material?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing synthetic materials designed by engineers?
What ethical issues pertain to engineers designing synthetic materials?
What did you learn about the significance of selecting materials for product design?
How can an existing product be changed to incorporate different processes to make it less expensive
and provide better performance?
How does an engineer decide which manufacturing process to use for a given material?
How do the recycling codes and symbols differ from state to state?
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Lesson 2.2.1: Materials
Purpose
Engineers often deal with the design of useful products that require materials with certain
characteristics or properties. Complexity is increased when we consider that new materials are
constantly being developed, and their application in new products drives economic growth.
Engineers, therefore, must know how to make sense of the multitude of different materials available.
When existing materials don’t provide the desired properties, engineers create new materials called
synthetics. Synthetic materials allow engineers to be extremely innovative when designing solutions
to society’s needs.
Procedure
During this activity, you and your classmates will use internet resources and the power point
presentation entitled Introduction_To_Materials.ppt to outline responses to the following prompts:
 What are the basic classifications of elements on the periodic table and how do those
classifications reflect variations in properties that are important to engineers?
 How are elements combined to create compounds and mixtures and what are the various
means in which compounds and mixtures can be separated back into elements?
 Identify the five classifications of materials typically used by engineers. Distinguish between
them in the context of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties and indicate at
least two typical uses for each.
 Below is an image of the periodic table. Identify the location of at least five elements that
are commonly used by engineers, name them, and indicate their classifications. How do
those classifications reflect variations in properties that are important to engineers?
http://beyondalldoubt.schools.officelive.com/Chapter12.aspx
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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 How are elements combined to create compounds and mixtures and what are the various
means in which compounds and mixtures can be separated back into elements?
 Identify the five classifications of
materials typically used by
engineers that are listed in the
aforementioned powerpoint.
Distinguish between them in the
context of mechanical, thermal,
electrical, and chemical
properties and indicate at least
two typical uses for each.
http://www-materials.eng.cam.ac.uk/mpsite/physics/introduction/default.html
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Lesson 2.2.2: Manufacturing Processes
Purpose
As illustrated in the pie chart to the right, manufacturing costs are
the most significant portion of the total cost to bring a product to
market. Accordingly, engineers must be well versed the various
processes utilized to turn their designs into devices that meet the
needs of their customers.
Procedure
During this activity, you and your classmates will use internet resources and the power point
presentation entitled IntroductionManufacturingProcesses.ppt to outline responses to the following
prompts:
 Background Definitions
 What are the five types of manufacturing systems and what niche do they each fill?
 Identify the five basic manufacturing processes and provide examples of their most common
uses for different classifications of materials
 Background Definitions: Define each of the following terms
Product Creation Cycle –
Manufacturing Process –
Lean Manufacturing –
Engineers in Manufacturing:
Manufacturing Engineer –
Industrial Engineer –
Materials Engineer –
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 What are the five types of manufacturing systems and what niche do they each fill?
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 Identify the five basic manufacturing processes and provide examples of their most
common uses for different classifications of materials
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Lesson 2.2.3: Recycling
Purpose
As engineers design and create devices that safely realize desired
outcomes, the effective use of our natural resources is critical. Without
it, it would be impossible to establish sustainable practices. This is true
both in the context of the consumption of our natural resources and the
unintended consequences of releasing man-made toxins in to the
environment. This activity focuses on the use of resources component
of this important problem.
Procedure
During this activity, you and your classmates will use internet resources and the power point
presentation entitled IntroductionManufacturingProcesses.ppt to outline responses to the following
prompts:
 Background Definitions
 What are the five types of manufacturing systems and what niche do they each fill?
 Identify the five basic manufacturing processes and provide examples of their most common
uses for different classifications of materials
 Recyclable Materials: Identify the five classifications of materials that are most commonly
recycled and, for each classification, provide at least one example an object you have
used that incorporates recycled materials
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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 Recycling Symbols: Study the recycling symbols below and list at least one example of
their use that you have personally witnessed.
http://www.easyvectors.com/browse/signs-symbols/recycling-symbols-free-vector
http://maggiemcgeegoesgreen.blogspot.com/2010/03/recycle-by-number-plastic-recycling.html
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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 Life Cycle of Materials: The following information was taken directly from the United
States Environmental Protection Agency’s website. Respond to the prompts at the end of
the article after reading it and other resources pertaining to the Product Life Cycle.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/lifecycle.html
The image above illustrates the four main stages of product life-cycles, all of which provide
opportunities for GHG emissions and/or offsets. These stages are: raw material acquisition,
manufacturing, recycling, and waste management.
Raw Material Acquisition. All products use inputs of raw materials, such as metal ore, petroleum,
trees, etc. Extracting and transporting these materials entails the combustion of fossil fuels for energy,
which results in emissions of carbon dioxide. These fossil fuels must be extracted themselves, which
requires additional energy use.
Manufacture. The processes that transform raw materials into products require the combustion of
fossil fuels for energy. Again, energy use produces GHG emissions both directly from the combustion
of fossil fuels (mainly in the form of carbon dioxide) and from the upstream energy used to obtain and
transport those fossil fuels. In addition, some manufacturing processes release other GHGs, although
the type and amount of these emissions are specific to the manufacturing processes for each material.
Recycling. Once a product has been used, it can be recycled into new products. While manufacturing
products from recycled inputs still requires energy, fewer raw materials are necessary. GHG emissions
are therefore offset by the avoided fossil fuel use for raw material acquisition. In addition, for products
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that require wood or paper inputs, recycling reduces the need to cut down trees, increasing carbon
sequestration in forests.
Waste Management. If a product is not recycled at the end of its useful life, it goes through one of
three waste management options: composting, combustion, and landfilling. All three use energy for
transporting and managing the waste, but they produce additional GHGs to varying degrees.
Composting – an option for organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste – releases some
non-biogenic carbon dioxide associated with transporting and turning the compost. However, some of
the carbon contained in organic materials is returned and stored in the soil and therefore not released
into the atmosphere.
Combustion releases both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (a GHG that is 310 times more potent that
carbon dioxide). However, some of the energy released during combustion can be harnessed and used
to power other processes, which results in offset GHG emissions from avoided fossil fuel use.
Landfilling, the most common waste management practice, results in the release of methane from the
anaerobic decomposition of organic materials. Methane is 21 times more potent a GHG than carbon
dioxide. However, landfill methane is also a source of energy, and some landfills capture and use it for
energy. In addition, many materials in landfills do not decompose fully, and the carbon that remains is
sequestered in the landfill and not released into the atmosphere.
Prompts:
What does the abreviation GHG stand for?
How does recycling effect the economy of the United States?
Identify a significant aspect of the product life cycle that contributes significantly to waste, but is not
directly referred to in the article. Also identify any associated sinks and emission offsets.
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Lesson 2.2.4: Case Study
Purpose
Students will perform simple material tests and calculations on product components to gain a better
understanding into why engineers select specific materials for different applications. Students will identify the
manufacturing processes that apply to the selected parts and create associated Product Development Lifecycles.
Introduction
What is your favorite brand of tennis shoe? Maybe you prefer casual shoes over tennis shoes. No matter the
shoe, the primary design focus is the same – what materials should engineers consider when designing the shoe?
After all, the shoe must meet your performance expectations and must be durable enough for everyday demand.
While materials possess similarities to one other, their differences are equally important as engineers search for
the correct material to create a product. When selecting materials, engineers must ask the following questions.
Will extreme conditions affect the material? Will these conditions cause the material to fail, and if not, how
safely will the material carry the load? How will the material behave if its temperature is drastically changed?
Will the material remain as strong as it was prior to being formed? Will the material corrode when exposed to
extreme conditions? When engineers can’t find a material that provides the desired traits, they invent new
materials by combining several existing materials.
Material selection for products requires engineers to consider material properties against anticipated use.
Engineers must sometimes find an alternative material for a part in their design for many reasons, including
environmental issues, cost issues, or safety issues. For example, during World War II, each B-17 Super Fortress
Bomber was built with approximately 1000 pounds of rubber. Scientists were tasked with finding or developing
a suitable rubber alternative in order to lighten the aircraft’s load.
Procedure
Part 1 - Product Selection and Overall Analysis:
Brainstorm a list of five common products that could be found in a typical backpack and consist of at least
two parts. Record your list of products below:
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Identify a product from your brainstorming to analyze:
Illustrate and describe the overall product. Include detailed information relating to function, operating
environment, cost, manufacturing origin, and product life cycle.
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Part 2 - Product Components:
Sketch and describe all product components. Include detailed information relating to component interaction
and function within the product, materials, and manufacturing methods
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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Part 3 – Component Investigation:
Identify two components for further investigation and complete the following tests:
Component #1 ______________________________
Test
Continuity Test:
Ferrous Metal Test
Hardness:
Weight:
Volume:
Description
Results
Use a multimeter with a built-in continuity tester or a
simple circuit consisting of a power source and light to
check for the component’s ability to conduct electricity.
Pass a magnet over the component.
Use a nail to attempt to scratch the surface of the
component.
Use a digital scale to weigh the component.
Mass:
Submerge the component in a container with a
predetermined measurable amount of water (graduated
cylinder, beaker, etc.). If the component is buoyant, use a
paperclip to keep the object submerged during testing.
Measure the increased volume of the water due to the
component being submerged in the container.
Mass = weight / gravitational acceleration
Density:
Density = mass / volume
Hand Flexure Test:
Use only your hands and attempt to bend the component.
Does the component permanently deform?
Component #2 ______________________________
Test
Continuity Test:
Ferrous Metal Test
Hardness:
Weight:
Volume:
Description
Results
Use a multimeter with a built-in continuity tester or a
simple circuit consisting of a power source and light to
check for the component’s ability to conduct electricity.
Pass a magnet over the component.
Use a nail to attempt to scratch the surface of the
component.
Use a digital scale to weigh the component.
Mass:
Submerge the component in a container with a
predetermined measurable amount of water (graduated
cylinder, beaker, etc.). If the component is buoyant, use a
paperclip to keep the object submerged during testing.
Measure the increased volume of the water due to the
component being submerged in the container.
Mass = weight / gravitational acceleration
Density:
Density = mass / volume
Hand Flexure Test:
Use only your hands and attempt to bend the component.
Does the component permanently deform?
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Part 4 – Further Component Investigation of Component#2:
Use a measuring device to create a detailed 3-D drawing (isometric or oblique) of component#2, including
appropriate dimensions and annotations.
Using these measurements, calculate the surface area and volume of component#2.
Based upon your observations up to this point, hypothesize the material that component#2 is made of.
Then estimate its density using available resources.
Estimate the mass using your volume and density estimates. Compare these results to your measurements
in the table on the previous page.
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Part 5 – Product Life Cycle and Sustainability:
Identify any recycled materials used in your product:
Identify materials within your product that could be recycled:
Comment regarding the sustainability of your product:
Identify a more sustainable option to satisfy the same need that your product satisfies:
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Lesson 2.2 Key Term Crossword
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
www.CrosswordWeaver.com
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POE@BHS-Unit 2: Materials and Structures, Topic 2.2 Material Properties
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ACROSS
DOWN
2 The process of creating an object by adding
small pieces or layers together to make a final
product.
4 Any of numerous natural and synthetic
compounds of usually high molecular weight
consisting of up to millions of repeated linked
units, each a relatively light and simple
molecule.
6 Machining a surface to size with a fine feed
produced in a lathe, milling machine, or
grinder.
7 A process that changes the size and shape of
a material by a combination of force and a
shaped form.
9 Of or relating to the manufacture of any
product (as earthenware, porcelain, or brick)
made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral
(as clay) by firing at a high temperature.
12 Crude or processed material that can be
converted by manufacture, processing, or
combination into a new and useful product;
something with a potential for improvement,
development, or elaboration.
14 A systemized body of laws; a set of principles,
as of ethics.
16 Processes that remove material to change the
size, shape, or surface of a part. There are
two groups of separating processes:
machining and shearing.
17 Returning to an original condition. The
extraction and recovery of valuable materials
from scrap or other discarded materials.
18 Properties other than mechanical properties
that pertain to the physics of a material and
can usually be measured without the
application of force.
19 The elements, constituents, or substances of
which something is composed or can be
made; matter that has qualities which give it
individuality and by which it may be
categorized.
1 A tool for systematically ranking alternatives
according to a set of criteria.
3 Those properties of a material that reveal the
elastic and inelastic reaction when force is
applied, or that involve the relationship
between stress and strain; for example, the
modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and
fatigue limit.
5 Stages a product goes through from concept
and use to eventual withdrawal from the
marketplace.
8 Anything for which a person is legally bound
or responsible.
10 Solid material which is composed of two or
more substances having different physical
characteristics and in which each substance
retains its identity while contributing desirable
properties to the whole; especially, a
structural material made of plastic within
which a fibrous material (as silicon carbide) is
embedded.
11 Any of various opaque, fusible, ductile, and
typically lustrous substances that are good
conductors of electricity and heat.
13 To make into a product suitable for use; to
make from raw materials by hand or by
machinery; to produce according to an
organized plan and with division of labor.
15 Produced by the combining of parts or
elements to form a whole, rather than of
natural origin; not real, artificial.
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