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Materials Science and Engineering
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2005
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Materials ScienceMetallurgyMaterials EngineeringEngineeringAbstract MetalsMaterial PropertyMaterials FabricationMetalsAlloy DesignMaterial SelectionUseful Engineering MaterialsTotal MetalsMaterial SystemMaterials PropertiesFerrous MetallurgyMetal ProcessingAlloysStructural Materials
Abstract Metals and alloys are useful engineering materials. Their excellent engineering properties result in their widespread application in engineering designs. Alloys based on iron are ferrous alloys. Iron and its alloys, specifically steel, account for over 83% of the world’s production of total metals and alloys. This is mainly because of their combination of high strength, toughness, high temperature properties, and ductility. The cost of steel is low, about $0.25/lb. Alloys based on other metals are nonferrous alloys. Prices of most metals vary with time. Gold ($5000/lb) and silver ($70/lb) are expensive. Nickel, tin, and titanium are relatively expensive, over $6/lb. Aluminum is lightweight and relatively inexpensive ($1/lb). Zinc is likewise cheap (under $1/lb). Copper and magnesium are under $2/lb. Toxic heavy metal lead is about $0.40/lb. Properties of metals and alloys depend on the structure. Structure and properties depend on processing.