Final answer:
Engineers select materials based on a structured evaluation process that includes design constraints, criteria, and validating properties like strength and flexibility at a molecular level. Biomimetics and advanced manufacturing technologies, like computer-aided design, play a key role in material selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
To select materials that meet strength and manufacturability requirements, engineers engage in a structured process, encompassing the pooling of potential design concepts, evaluation against constraints and criteria, and ultimately selecting one or more concepts for detailed design and prototyping. This process involves ensuring requirements are satisfied and that the selected material strikes an optimal balance according to the criteria and constraints.
Engineers consider the material’s properties at a molecular level to understand its strength, flexibility, and toughness. For example, in biomimetics, materials from biological systems inspire the creation of materials that are tough enough to absorb energy without fracturing, yet flexible enough to deform elastically and return to their original shape. The density of a material also becomes a significant factor when trying to maintain lightness without altering the size.
With the advent of advanced technology, computer-aided manufacturing methods now allow for materials to be precisely fabricated and processed. These methods enhance the quality of the end-product, increase efficiency, and reduce human error. Rigorous testing for factors such as earthquake stability, wind stability, and fire prevention have become fundamental components of material selection and design.