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MCEN 4026 Homework 6

Name: Ethan Rejto 908-486

Date Assigned: Tues 09/20

Due Date: Tues 9/27

You are expected to do this assignment individually.

1. Describe your understanding of why different crystal structures exhibit different strengths and
ductilitys.
Different crystal structures exhibit different strengths because they have different slip planes and
slip systems. A slip plane is where there is the highest density of atoms in the crystal. Motion can
easily occur along a slip plane leading to a more ductile material. The strength of the material
depends on the spacing of the slip planes.
2. The atomic weight of copper is 63.55, meaning that 6.023x1023 atoms weigh 63.55 g. The
density of copper is 8970 kg/m3, and pure copper forms fcc crystals. Estimate the diameter of a
copper atom.
(8970

6.0231023
)

(1000
)

(
)
3

63.55

13
(8.51028 )

=(

8.51028
)
3

= 1 =

=(1.176E-29 m^3) = 4*pi*r2 : r = 9.675E-16 m : D = r*2 = 1.93E-15 m

3. The atomic radius of iron is 0.125 nm, while that of a carbon atom is 0.070 nm. Can a carbon
atom fit inside a steel bcc structure without distorting the neighboring atoms?

No it will not fit, see math below


2 = 2 0.125 = 0.25
2

= 0.252 + 0.252 = 0.35355


= 2 = 0.35355 2 0.125 = 0.10355
0.10355 < 2 0.070
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MCEN 4026 Homework 6


Type equation here.
4. Explain why carbon, among all elements, is so effective in imparting strength to iron in the form
of steel.
Carbon is so effective in imparting strength to iron in the form of steel because of its effects on
the crystal structure. Carbon atoms are smaller than iron atoms so are able to sit in between the
iron atoms presenting shifting of the crystal structure when a force is applied.

5. Inspect various parts in your car or home, and identify those that are likely to have been case
hardened. Explain your reasons.
The trunk of my car I believe that this has been case hardened. The reason is that the outside
must remain very strong to resist scratching and surface damages to the metal trunk. It must
also be able to maintain some of its ductility in order for it not to dent and fracture whenever a
force is applied to it.

6. In the past, waterfowl hunters used lead shot in their shotguns, but this practice resulted in the
lead poisoning of unshot birds that ingested lead pellets (along with gravel) to help them digest
food. Steel and tungsten are being used as replacement materials. If all pellets have the same
velocity upon exiting the shotgun barrel, what concerns would you have regarding this
substitution of materials? Consider both performance and environmental effects.
Tungsten has almost twice the density of lead, so assuming the pellets stay the same size they
will likely not travel as far due to the increased weight. Tungsten is also a much stronger
material in every major category, Tensile Strength, Shear Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, and
Hardness. This could cause worse performance since a lead pellet may break apart during
contact to cause more damage, or flatten to have a larger stopping power. Tungsten is also
much more difficult to manufacture, and thus likely has a much larger negative impact on the
environment.
7. Explain why cooking utensils generally are made of stainless steels, aluminum, or copper.
They are able to withstand a large amount of heat. They are also extremely durable so have a very long
lifetime. They are also resistant to corrosion so can get wet many times and maintain their material
properties.
8. Describe the design considerations involved in replacing a metal beverage container with one
made of plastic.
When considering replacing metal beverage containers with a plastic container one must
consider.
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MCEN 4026 Homework 6

Cost- plastic will most likely be cheaper


Durability- the metal beverage container will last longer
Environmental impact- which will be more environmentally friendly to manufacture
User Experience- will the switch in any way negatively affect the way the user perceives
the beverage container
Material Properties will the plastic be able to hold whatever beverage is going to be
put in it, may melt because of heat. If cold beverage what will keep it coldest the
longest.

9. There are plastic paper clips available in various colors. Why are there no plastic staples?
Plastic deforms very easily, with the applied amount of force that would be needed to put a
plastic staple through the paper the plastic would buckle and deform. Metal can withstand a far
greater compressive force before deformation.

10. Explain why ceramics are weaker in tension than in compression.


Ceramics contain many stress risers, flaws within the structure such as interior cracks or internal
pores. When tensile fracture begins the crack prorogates extremely quickly due to these stress
risers.

11. Make a list of the ceramic parts that you can find around your house or in your car. Give reasons
why those parts are made of ceramics.
Mug holds heat well, ascetically pleasing
Countertop- Doesnt scratch easily, durable
Bathtub- hold water well, doesnt scratch easily

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