What are some best practices for using material selection software in materials science?

1 Define your objectives, criteria, and constraints

The first step in using material selection software is to define your objectives, criteria, and constraints for your project. Objectives are the desired outcomes or functions that you want your material to achieve, such as strength, durability, or conductivity. Criteria are the measurable attributes or properties that you can use to evaluate and compare different materials, such as density, modulus, or thermal expansion. Constraints are the limitations or requirements that you have to consider, such as cost, availability, or environmental impact. By defining these elements clearly, you can narrow down your search space and focus on the most relevant materials.

2 Use data sources and databases

The next step is to use data sources and databases that can provide you with reliable and comprehensive information on different materials and their properties. Data sources can be primary or secondary, depending on whether they are generated by original research or compiled from other sources. Databases can be general or specific, depending on whether they cover a wide range of materials or focus on a particular category or application. You should choose data sources and databases that are reputable, updated, and compatible with your material selection software. You should also check the quality, accuracy, and completeness of the data, and cite the sources properly.

3 Perform material screening and ranking

The third step is to perform material screening and ranking using your material selection software. Material screening is the process of eliminating materials that do not meet your criteria or constraints, based on numerical or logical filters. Material ranking is the process of ordering the remaining materials according to their performance or suitability for your objectives, based on numerical or graphical methods. You should use material screening and ranking methods that are appropriate for your project, such as material indices, performance maps, or trade-off diagrams. You should also explore different scenarios and sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of your results.

4 Validate and verify your selections

The final step is to validate and verify your selections using your material selection software. Validation is the process of checking whether your selections meet your objectives and criteria, based on empirical or theoretical evidence. Verification is the process of checking whether your selections are feasible and realistic, based on practical or technical considerations. You should use validation and verification methods that are relevant and reliable, such as experiments, simulations, or case studies. You should also document and communicate your selections clearly, and acknowledge any uncertainties or limitations.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?