Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-gvh9x Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-16T13:46:57.019Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Electronic Access to Factual Materials Information: The State of the Art

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2013

J.H. Westbrook ,
J.G. Kaufman  and
F. Cverna
Get access

Extract

Over the past 30 years we have seen a strong but uncoordinated effort to both increase the availability of numeric materials-property data in electronic media and to make the resultant mass of data more readily accessible and searchable for the end-user engineer. The end user is best able to formulate the question and to judge the utility of the answer for numeric property data inquiries, in contrast to textual or bibliographic data for which information specialists can expeditiously carry out searches.

Despite the best efforts of several major programs, there remains a shortfall with respect to comprehensiveness and a gap between the goal of easy access to all the world's numeric databases and what can presently be achieved. The task has proven thornier and therefore much more costly than anyone envisioned, and computer access to data for materials scientists and engineers is still inadequate compared, for example, to the situation for molecular biologists or astronomers. However, progress has been made. More than 100 materials databases are listed and categorized by Wawrousek et al. that address several types of applications including: fundamental research, materials selection, component design, process control, materials identification and equivalency, expert systems, and education. Standardization is improving and access has been made more easy.

In the discussion that follows, we will examine several characteristics of available information and delivery systems to assess their impact on the successes and limitations of the available products. The discussion will include the types and uses of the data, issues around data reliability and quality, the various formats in which data need to be accessed, and the various media available for delivery. Then we will focus on the state of the art by giving examples of the three major media through which broad electronic access to numeric properties has emerged: on-line systems, workstations, and disks, both floppy and CD-ROM. We will also cite some resources of where to look for numeric property data.

Type
Special Feature
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 20 , Issue 8 , August 1995 , pp. 40 - 48
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Westbrook, J.H. and Kaufman, J.G., “Impediments to an Elusive Dream: Computer Access to Numeric Data for Engineering Materials,” Proc. 11th Int'l. CODATA Conf., Chambéry, France, 1994.Google Scholar
2.Harper, R., “Access to DNA and Protein Databases on the Internet,” Current Opinion in Biotechnology 5 (1994) p. 4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
3.Andernach, H., Hanisch, R.J., and Murtagh, F., “Network Resources for Astronomers,” Publ. Astron. Soc. of the Pacific 106 (1994) p. 1,190.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Wawrousek, H., Westbrook, J.H., and Grattidge, W., “Data Sources of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Materials,” in Physik Daten 30 (1), Fachinformationszentrum, Karlsruhe, Germany (1989).Google Scholar
5.Westbrook, J.H., “Data Compilation, Analysis, and Access: The Role of the Computer,” MRS Bulletin XVIII (1993) p. 44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6.Cebon, D. and Ashby, M.F., “Materials Selection for Mechanical Use,” in Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases, vol. 3, edited by Barry, T.I. and Reynard, K.W., ASTM STP 1140 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1992) p. 323.Google Scholar
7.Westbrook, J.H., “Some Considerations in the Design of Properties Files for a Computerized Materials Information System,” in The Role of Data in Scientific Progress, edited by Glaeser, P. (Elsevier, 1985) p. 241.Google Scholar
8.Sargent, P., “Materials Information for CAD/CAM” (Butterworth-Heinemann Publishers, Oxford, 1991).Google Scholar
9.Gegel, H.L., Malas, J.C., Doraivelu, S.M., and Shende, V.A., in Metals Handbook, v. 14, Forming and Forging, 9th ed. (1988), “Forging Process Design,” p. 401; “Modelling Techniques Used in Forging Process Design,” p. 417; “Acquisition of Data for Forging Process Design,” p. 439.Google Scholar
10.Lee, D., Majlessi, S.A., and Vogel, J.H., “Process Modelling and Simulation for Sheet Metal Forming,” Metals Handbook, v. 14, Forming and Forging, 9th ed. (1988) p. 911.Google Scholar
11.Berry, J.T. and Pehlke, R.D., “Modelling of Solidification Heat Transfer,” Metals Handbook, v. 15, Casting, 9th ed. (1988) p. 858.Google Scholar
12.Gergely, M., Somogyi, S., Réti, T., and Konkoly, T., “Computerized Properties Prediction and Technology Planning in Heat Treatment of Steels,” ASM Handbook, vol. 4, Heat Treating, 10th ed. (1991) p. 638.Google Scholar
13.Walker, T.C. and Miller, R.W., Expert Systems Handbook: An Assessment of Technology and Applications (The Fairmont Press, Inc., Lilburn, GA, 1990).Google Scholar
14. NMAB-467, Automating Materials Selection During Structural Design, ISBN 0-309-05193-2 (1995). Will also be available from DITC.Google Scholar
15.Komai, K., Minashima, K., and Koyama, M., “Development of a Diagnostic Expert System for Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EXE-NAC) and Importance of Evaluation of Rules in Inference,” in Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases, vol. 3, edited by Barry, T.I. and Reynard, K.W., ASTM STP 1140 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1992) p. 243.Google Scholar
16.Begley, E.F. and Munro, R.G., “Issues in Development of an Advanced Ceramic Materials Selector System,” in Reference 15, p. 272.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
17.Vancoille, M.J., Smets, H.M., Bogaerts, W.F., and Arents, H.C., “Probing the Bounds of Knowledge-Based Systems,” in Reference 15, p. 290.Google Scholar
18.Hagstrom, J. and Sandstrom, R., “MAT-EDS—Materials Technology Education System, A System for Materials Science Education and Materials Selection,” in Reference 15, p. 472.Google Scholar
19.Phelan, D., “Using Databases for Tertiary Education,” in New Data Challenges in Our Information Age, Proc. 13th Int'l. CODATA Conf., Beijing, edited by Glaeser, P.S. and Millward, M.T.L. A115-120 (CODATA, 1995).Google Scholar
20.Borman, S., “New Computer Program Reads, Interprets Chemical Structures,” Chem. Eng. News 70 (1992) p. 17.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
21.Newton, C.H., ed., Manual on the Building of Materials Databases, ASTM MNL 19 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1993). (See pp. 46, 34-44, and 45-52 for discussion of standardization issues.)CrossRefGoogle Scholar
22.Rumble, J.R. Jr., “The STEP Model of Materials Information,” in Reference 15, p. 141.Google Scholar
23.Reynard, K.W., “Standards for Materials Databases—National and International Programs—Do They Provide for Data Users' Needs?”, in Reference 15, p. 413.Google Scholar
24.ASTM Guide 1484, “Standard Guide for Formatting and Use of Material and Chemical Property Data and Database Quality Indicators” (1993).Google Scholar
25.Grattidge, W., Westbrook, J.H., McCarthy, J., Northrup, C., and Rumble, J.R. Jr., “Materials Information for Science & Technology (MIST): Project Overview,” NBS SP726 (U.S. Gov't. Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1986).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
26.Barrett, A.J., “Data Evaluation, Validation, and Quality,” in Reference 21, p. 53.Google Scholar
27.Kaufman, J.G., “Quality and Reliability Issues in Materials Databases; ASTM Committee E49.05,” in Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases, vol. 3, edited by Barry, T.I. and Reynard, K.W., ASTM STP 1140 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1992) p. 64.Google Scholar
28.Westbrook, J.H. and Grattidge, W., “The Role of Metadata in the Design and Operation of a Materials Database,” in Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases, vol. 2, edited by Glazman, J.S. and Kaufman, J.G., ASTM STP 1106 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1991) p. 84.Google Scholar
29.McCarthy, J.L., “The Automated Data Thesaurus: A New Tool for Scientific Information,” in Scientific and Technical Data in a New Era, Proc. 11th Int'l. CODATA Conf., edited by Glaeser, P.S., (Hemisphere Publishing Co., New York, 1990) p. 260.Google Scholar
30.Westbrook, J.H. and Grattidge, W., “Terminology Standards for Materials Databases,” in Reference 15, p. 15.Google Scholar
31.Kaufman, J.G., “Online Access to Worldwide Sources of Materials Performance Data—1991 Update on the Materials Property Data Network (MPD Network),” in Reference 15, p. 160; V.J. Drago and J.G. Kaufman, “Technical Features of the Chemical and Materials Property Data Network Services,” J. Chem. Information and Computer Sciences 33 (1) (1993).Google Scholar
32.Stanton, E., “Building a Model Database: EXPRESS Example,” in Reference 21, pp. 93 and 100.Google Scholar
33.Grattidge, W., “Capture of Published Materials Data,” in Computerization and Networking of Materials Databases, edited by Glazman, J.S. and Rumble, J.R. Jr., ASTM STP 1017 (ASTM, Philadelphia, 1989) p. 151.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
34.Meltsner, K.J., “Understanding the INTERNET: A Guide for Materials Scientists and Engineers,” J. Metals 47 (4) (1995) p. 9.Google Scholar
35.Bamkin, R.J. and McRae, S.C.F., “Experience of Designing a Relational Materials Database,” in Reference 15, p. 207.Google Scholar
36.Westbrook, J.H., “Current Activity in North America on Numerical Databases on Materials Properties,” in Data for Discovery, Proc. 12th Int'l. CODATA Conf, edited by Glaeser, P.S. (Begell House, New York, 1992) p. 219.Google Scholar
37.Kaufman, J.G. and Drago, V.J., “The Chemical Property Data Network on STN International,” Computerized Chemical Data Standards: Databases, Data Interchange, and Information Systems, ASTM STP 1214, edited by Lysakowski, Richard and Gragg, Charles E. (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1994).Google Scholar
38.M-Vision Materials System Builder User's Guide and Reference (PDA Engineering, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA, 1993) Pub. No. 2190011.Google Scholar
39.Boshers, C.D., Becht, G., Debreg, A.G., and Ellsworth, C.S., “Characterization of Composite Material Property Allowables Using Automated Handling and Reduction Techniques,” in SAMPE Proc, vol. 39 (in press).Google Scholar
40.Lee, J.E., Marinaro, D.E., Funkhauser, M.E., Horn, R.M., and Jewett, R.P., “Creating a Common Materials Database,” Adv. Materials & Processes 142 (5) (1992) p. 27.Google Scholar
41.Cverna, F., Gall, T.L., and Heller, M.E., “An ASCII Format for Materials Properties Database Import and Export,” in Reference 15, p. 119.Google Scholar
42.Barrett, A.J., ed., “International Register of Materials Database Managers,” CODATA Special Report #14, 2nd ed. (1993).Google Scholar
43. “CODATA Referral Database,” available on disk only; CODATA, 51 Boulevard de Montmorency, 75016 Paris, France.Google Scholar
44. “Numeric Databases—A Directory,” ICSTI, May, 1991, ISBN 929027 OllX, 51 Boulevard de Montmorency, 75016 Paris, France.Google Scholar