A rationale for the optimisation by computer methods of the efficient use of metals and materials

  • Pervez M. Appoo

    Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

    Abstract

    The aim of the research project was to gain d complete and accurate accounting of the needs and deficiencies of materials selection and design data, with particular attention given to the feasibility of a computerised materials selection system that would include application analysis, property data and screening techniques.
    The project also investigates and integrates the three major aspects of materials resources, materials selection and materials recycling.
    Consideration of the materials resource base suggests that, though our discovery potential has increased, geologic availability is the ultimate determinant and
    several metals may well become scarce at the same time, thus compounding the problem of substitution.
    With around 2- to 20- million units of engineering materials data, the use of a computer is the only logical answer for scientific selection of materials. The system developed at Aston is used for data storage, mathematical
    computation and output. The system enables programs to be run in batch and interactive (on-line) mode. The program with modification can also handle such variables as quantity of mineral resources, energy cost of materials and depletion
    and utilisation rates of strateqic materials.
    The work also carries out an in-depth study of copper recycling in the U.K. and concludes that, somewhere in the region of 2 million tonnes of copper is missing from the recycling cycle. It also sets out guidelines on product design and conservation policies from the recyclability point of view.
    Date of AwardMar 1977
    Original languageEnglish
    SupervisorProfessor W.O. Alexander (Supervisor)

    Keywords

    • optimisation
    • computer methods
    • efficient use
    • metals and materials

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