The study of how the properties of matter arise from its structure at all scales and of how processing can be used to modify those properties (often in pursuit of a specific application).
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4answers
3k views
Does glass get stronger the longer its under water?
I was reading the internets and I saw an image of of random facts. Yes, I know, its a humor site, but based on the image item #23 I have some questions.
Does glass really get stronger the longer its ...
0
votes
1answer
89 views
Characteristics of bloch electron in a priodic potential
Effective mass of a Bloch electron in a periodic potential is negative why ?
4
votes
1answer
52 views
Order of magnetic phase transitions
Is there any phase transition occur in paramagnetism to diamagnetism transitions state. What should be the order and how will I calculate the order?
0
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0answers
113 views
Phase diagram problem for ternary system
For a ternary system, three composites are present.
Temperature is also a variable.
Assuming that pressure is held constant, what is the minimum number of phases that may be present in a ternary ...
2
votes
1answer
74 views
Is shear elasticity the same as shear modulus?
I've encountered both the terms "shear elasticity" and "shear modulus". Are these the same?
1
vote
1answer
94 views
Why can we analyse force balance on a dislocation?
Dislocation (like screw or edge dislocation) is not a 'real' thing, while Newton's laws only apply to a real object (no matter macroscopic, like stars, or microscopic, like atoms).
In the derivation ...
1
vote
4answers
146 views
The requirements for superconductivity
Which properties are sufficient evidence for a material to be not superconducting?
I am looking for a set of statements like
If the material is semiconducting, it is not superconducting
Edit:
I ...
1
vote
1answer
70 views
Is it possible to increase refractive index at lower densities?
Are there any materials for which the refractive index decreases with density? It seems that for most materials we would expect there to be a positive correlation between density and refractive index, ...
1
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0answers
53 views
Where can I find a complete list of metamaterials up to today?
Where might I find a list of all the metamaterials up-to-date?
2
votes
2answers
142 views
Computational Science involve programming? [closed]
I read what is computational science in Wikipedia but the explanation and understanding are not very clear.
So, I could you please give a simple example computational science project and what all ...
1
vote
1answer
69 views
Getting a given wavelength radio signal given an antenna with real-world constraints
Supposing you are given a transmitting antenna of whatever type of metal is most commonly used these days, and supposing that you are applying an AC current with the intent of transmitting a 1 m ...
3
votes
1answer
196 views
Why do non-stick frying pans work?
Modern non-stick frying pans use a mixture of titanium and ceramic that is sandblasted onto the pan surface, and then fired to 2,000 °C (according to Wikipedia).
Can anyone explain (at the molecular ...
1
vote
2answers
160 views
Where does Computer Science background students fit in Theoretical Physics [closed]
I am basically an Electronics student - background in computer science (that's where I want to work). I applied for an internship in USA in a research institute where the group is focused in ...
4
votes
1answer
79 views
limits of diamond anvils for high pressure research
in this wikipedia article regarding diamond anvils, it mentions that the pressure peaks roughly at 300 GPa.
My question is why is this so? is the diamond crystal structure collapsing if higher ...
2
votes
1answer
133 views
What is nonlocal resistance?
We are first taught to calculate local resistance, where current and voltage are on the same part of the material.
But many experiments measure nonlocal resistance, where current and voltage are ...
1
vote
0answers
31 views
AWG chart for Tungsten
This is the American Wire Gauge (AWG) chart page for Copper that I found from Google:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge
Is there a similar table for Tungsten/Wolfram available?
Has ...
2
votes
1answer
174 views
A differential equation of Buckling Rod
I tried to solve a differential equation, but unfortunately got stuck at some point.
The problem is to solve the diff. eq. of hard clamped on both ends rod.
And the force compresses the rod at both ...
0
votes
0answers
82 views
Which viscoelastic material that transparent for Infrared light?
I have to work with viscoelastic materials, since I tried to use a silicone polymer (silly putty) which expect to IR transparent properties, however, IR camera shown the black color (means their ...
4
votes
2answers
172 views
What properties would the ideal material for spacecraft construction possess?
Assuming we develop the capability to send a robot to study Gliese 518, or any of the Earth-like planets discovered in the neighbourhood; the spacecraft would need to travel through the Solar System ...
6
votes
1answer
997 views
Why are some materials diamagnetic, others paramagnetic, and others ferromagnetic?
Why are some materials diamagnetic, others paramagnetic, and others ferromagnetic?
Or, put another way, which of their atomic properties determines which of the three forms of magnetism (if at all) ...
0
votes
0answers
46 views
Terminology Fractional Physics [closed]
I recently read an article about the use of physics in computer graphics. Moreover, the method of "fractional Physics" used to provide the awesome three dimensional effects we've come to enjoy. My ...
0
votes
3answers
348 views
Liquid crystal shutter with >90% transmission?
Today's liquid crystal shutter glasses, when in the "transparent" state, exhibit only 40% light transmission.
They work using two polarizer layers, one which is liquid crystal and goes {vertical ...
1
vote
1answer
80 views
Simulation of broken object
I was thinking and the following question came out:
how an object that is falling is simulated once it hits the ground?
Specifically, I would like to understand how one would be able to simulate the ...
3
votes
1answer
196 views
Why magnetic monopole found in spin ice don't modify the Maxwell's Equations?
Magnetic monopole predicted by Dirac nearly a century ago was found in spin ice as quasi-particle(2). My question is Why magnetic monopole found in spin ice don't modify the Maxwell's Equations? (I ...
1
vote
1answer
129 views
Friction between atoms in spring
if i doing experiment on spring-mass system in vaccum,if i pull the to some extent (within elastic limit of spring) & let it go,will the system oscillate indefinitely? (neglect contact frictions ...
0
votes
1answer
63 views
What are the Electric and Magnetic Properties of Aluminum Oxynitride?
Is Transparent Aluminum (Aluminum Oxynitride) a good conductor of electricity? Also, is it attracted by a magnet?
0
votes
1answer
207 views
Are silicone polymers transparent to infrared light?
I know that silicon and even black plastic bags are transparent to infrared light. What about light-colored silicone polymers (take white or green colors)? Are they transparent to infrared light too? ...
1
vote
0answers
47 views
Is it right to cut a slot on some material before bending?
I made a suggestion to my boss to cut a thin, shallow slot on a metal sheet on the side we wanna make 90°, so that the machine could bend it. However, the outcome was "The metal broke".
My boss was ...
2
votes
2answers
204 views
Is there a simple approximation to calculate the index of refraction of water?
A very rough approximation from first principles, from the elementary charge and hbar, would suffice. But is there such an approximation at all?
(Alternatively, if water is too difficult: is there ...
3
votes
1answer
579 views
Why can glass absorb ultraviolet light?
Please see the following photos. (I cannot post them...)
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q554/startanewww/CIMG4545.jpg
http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/q554/startanewww/CIMG4546.jpg
From the ...
4
votes
1answer
274 views
Origin of Elasticity
Why is it that not all bodies possess Elastic behavior? What is the origin of elasticity or plasticity? I mean, it's a physical property. So, how does it relate to atoms or molecules in different ...
4
votes
2answers
240 views
Consequences of destroying a space elevator
Suppose there is a fully functional space elevator built on Earth. The base is attached to coordinates
$
(\lambda, \varphi) = (0,0)
$
e.g., on the equator on the zero-meridian.
What would happen ...
2
votes
2answers
596 views
Space Elevator on Mars with Today's Technology Possible?
I know it's not possible with Earth today, but With today's level of material science technology, would it be possible to make cable strong and light enough to make a space elevator system connecting ...
2
votes
3answers
123 views
Electrial Conductivity of Thin Metal Films
What is the best way to find specific/electric conductivity which is dependent of very thin film thickness?
2
votes
1answer
132 views
light absorbing diodes characteristics
Recently, there was a publication regarding some new materials that would let thru light in one direction and either absorb it or reflect it in the other direction; the publication does not clarify on ...
0
votes
2answers
303 views
Is there a physical reason steel balls are not suitable to play billiards with?
Steel is an elastic matter and is often used when demonstrating elastic collisions. We also make springs from it.
Due to these properties and for its relative low price, it seems obvious to me to ...
1
vote
1answer
463 views
Best Materials Science Introduction Book?
Why is this here?
Sorry, I know that this isn't the best place to put this however there does not seem to be any other stack exchange specific to this so I thought this would be the best place ...
3
votes
2answers
269 views
How is the stickiness of a fluid measured?
How does one compare the "stickiness" of different substances on a certain surface?
For example:
Does glue A stick better to steel than glue B?
Does water stick better to steel than oil?
19
votes
3answers
580 views
Why wet is dark?
When something gets wet, it usually appears darker. This can be observed with soil, sand, cloth, paper, concrete, bricks ...
What is the reason for this? How does water soaking into the material ...
9
votes
1answer
840 views
Why does paper become transparent when smeared with oil but not (so much) with water?
When I smear oil onto a scrap of paper and rub it in, the paper becomes quite transparent; but when I attempt the same with water it doesn't as much. Why?
7
votes
2answers
227 views
Why is paper more frangible when it is wet?
My four-year-old daughter asked me why paper tends to fall apart when wet, and I wasn't sure. I speculated that the water lubricates the paper fibers so that they can untangle and separate more ...
1
vote
1answer
647 views
Does infrared rays pass through polarized glass?
Actually I had asked in another post that "Does infrared rays pass through active shutter glass" but someone just commented that infrared rays dont pass through polarized glass. If infrared rays ...
0
votes
1answer
89 views
What is a good reference for the mechanical properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures?
I want to research various the properties of various materials, namely tensile strength at cryogenic temperatures (~20K). I was wondering if a freely available database of material properties exists.
0
votes
2answers
162 views
Behavior of shock waves at relativistic speeds
Suppose I am in a spaceship traveling inertially at a velocity $v$ that is of the same order as $c$. As I pass by a metal bar that is oriented parallel to $v$, someone hits it with another metal bar, ...
1
vote
1answer
117 views
what gives the vermiculite it's insultative properties
i know that vermiculite is used in insulation applications.
i found this notion of the R-value of vermiculite, that i don't know if its true.
basically i want to know if the attribute of the ...
-1
votes
1answer
42 views
Working with carbon as a material [closed]
I'm interested in building a robot with a carbon shell, and was wondering where I could find some ressources about how to work with carbon. For example, where to find it, how to shape it, and how to ...
0
votes
2answers
189 views
What is the difference between Sapphire and BK7?
What is the difference between Sapphire and BK7 in optics (lenses), is it only about quality?
1
vote
1answer
89 views
Stretching a piece of foil with a hole
I have a 20x20cm piece of foil with a circular hole of diameter 1cm in the centre.
If I slowly stretch the foil both horizontally and vertically, what happens to the size of the hole?
Does the size ...
0
votes
1answer
238 views
Does Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) have low wind resistance?
It is reasonable to assume that covering for example an airplane with Teflon would lead to it having lower wind resistance? The reason why I ask is that Teflon "has one of the lowest coefficients of ...
2
votes
1answer
567 views
Which ferromagnetic material has the lowest Curie temperature?
It is hard to search for materials by their properties in general and I am trying to find a material with a very low Curie temperature. At the moment I am browsing different sites but can only find a ...
