Title: Research the major material properties: physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical/magnetic, acoustical, and optical.
Course: Mechatronics I (13901-I) > Section: Understanding Manufacturing Materials

Research should include examples of the use of materials in advanced manufacturing (e.g., welding, machining, electromechanical technology) and should explain the importance of material properties to their selection and application in a production setting.

Research could also include

- physical properties of a material
- mechanical properties' effect on the way a material will react to forces or loads
- natural elements' reaction with a material and its effect on performance
- thermal properties of a material (e.g., thermal resistance, thermal expansion, thermal emission, thermal shock resistance)
- materials that carry an electrical current (e.g., conductors, semiconductors, resistors)
- properties that determine how a material reacts to sound waves (e.g., acoustical transmission, acoustical reflection)
- optical properties (e.g., color, light transmission, light reflection).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What properties are important when selecting a material?
- How do properties change as materials are processed?
- What processes are used to enhance final material properties?