Materials Science and Engineering
MSE Terminology

Burger's Vector:
Denotes magnitude and direction of lattice distortion
Ductiility:
Plastic deformation a solid can withstand (% elongation, area reduction)
Edge Dislocation:
An extra plane of atoms is inserted into the lattice
Fractography:
The study of failure, including fracture, fatigue, and creep.
Hardness:
The ability to resist surface deformation
Interstitial Atom:
An atom placed between atoms in a crystal lattice
Interstitial Site:
Place between atoms in a crystal lattice where another atom could fit.
Metallography
Taking pictures of magnified samples of metals to learn of constituents and grain structure.
Resilience
Energy absorbed before permanent deformation
Screw Dislocation
Atoms are one unit away from where they should be
Stiffness:
Stress per deformation
Strength:
Stress limit for material
Toughness:
Static toughness: integral of ð over €
Vacancy:
A place in the crystal lattice that should contain an atom, but does not

Return to Materials Science Page
Return to Seth's Home Page