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Materials

Historically, each successive 3-year Materials Metrology programme had a different name and acronym and sometimes covered slightly different technical areas. The incorporation of MM into the NMS offered the opportunity to rationalise the portfolio in order to clarify and organise the programmes.

The MM portfolio is now on track to convert to a rolling cycle of three programmes following the lifecycle of materials use as follows:

Measurements for Materials Performance Programme 2004-07; Measurements for Materials Processability Programme 2005-08; Measurements for Materials Characterisation Programme 2006-09.

This plan overlaps in technical space in a similar way to that in which the EPSRC defines materials engineering: Structure, Processing, Performance.

The three most recent ‘old style’ programmes are described here, followed by the first of the ‘new style’ programmes.

Measurements for Material Systems (MMS) 2001-2005

The use of materials systems such as composites, coatings and adhesively bonded structures can provide manufacturers with a number of advantages including higher performance and reduced costs. However, the current lack of design methodologies, reliable testing methods and usable data for such systems has meant that their use is still far less than that of traditional materials.

Measurements for Materials Systems (MMS) is a research programme supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS). It aims to respond to the industrial need for test methods for the design, manufacture and performance of materials systems and their components.

With the main focus on measurement, the major industrial sectors expected to benefit directly from this programme include aerospace, automotive, offshore and marine, packaging, electronics, construction and chemical engineering.

More information on individual projects, or a programme brochure, can be obtained from the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/materials/cog/mms0.html.

Life Performance of Materials (LPM) 2002-2005

The Life Performance of Materials (LPM) has contributed to the maintenance and development of the existing UK infrastructure which responds to the industrial need for test methods relating to the degradation of a diverse range of materials in common aggressive environments such as exposure to chemicals (salts, process fluids, organic solvents, etc.), sunlight, and high temperatures. It has also furthered UK industry representation in international standards.

Within the LPM Programme there are a number of projects that relate to the lifetime performance of materials within different industrial settings. These are in two theme areas: Aqueous Corrosion; and High Temperature Degradation.

More information on individual projects can be obtained from the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/materials/programmes/lpm/.

Measurements for Processability and Performance of Materials (MPP) 2002-2006

The Measurements for Processability and Performance of Materials Programme (MPP), a research programme supported by DIUS, aims to maintain and develop the existing UK infrastructure which responds to the industrial need for test methods relating to the characterisation and processability of engineering materials (metals, ceramics and polymers).

More information on individual projects can be obtained from the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/materials/programmes/mppinfo.html.

Measurements for Materials Performance 2004-2007

The Measurements For Materials Performance programme will run from 2004 to 2007. The objective of the programme is: to develop measurement methodologies and models for the assessment, prediction and ongoing evaluation of the properties of materials in a service environment critical to maintaining fitness for purpose. Knowledge and best practice will be promoted to users through new facilities, standardised test methods and access to experts.

More information on individual projects can be obtained from the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/performance/.

Measurements for Materials Processability 2005-2008

The objective of the programme is to develop measurement methods and models for the processing and recycling of materials and devices. Knowledge and best practice will be promoted to users through new facilities, standardised test methods and access to experts.

This programme has been formulated by NPL and prioritised by the Measurement Advisory Committee Working Group for Materials Metrology. A business case is being prepared for DTI approval processes.

More information on individual projects can be obtained from the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/processing/themes.html.

Measurements for Materials Characterisation 2006-2009

This programme is currently being formulated. Further information on how to take part in this process is available on the NPL website at www.npl.co.uk/characterisation/characterisation.html.