Materials selection using CES material program - Coursework Example

Material Selection Using CES Program Material Selection Using CES (Cost Estimation) Program CES is an important application in the design and manufacture of engineering products. This tool has been used in the selection of materials for the umbrella construction described in this paper. In the selection of proper materials for the umbrella, factors that need careful consideration include its use, functionality and sustainability. Output from the CES programFrom the program, the umbrella was broken down to individual parts to understand the materials that were needed, and their functionality.

There are three main sections of the umbrella design used in this paper. These parts are shown in the diagram below: (The basic umbrella structure) Part 1: ShaftShaft should be string since it provides the facet for holding the umbrella. The ligaments or ribs connect to the shaft and help in maintaining the shape of the umbrella. HST Aluminum provides the best option for the shaft design because it is commercially available; it is light in weight, and a high strength-to-weight ratio. Part 2: ArmsThe arms keep the umbrella in shape.

Material selection using CES program indicate that aluminum is the best material for arm design. HST Aluminum is commercially available; it is light in weight, much harder, and a high strength-to-weight ratio.Part 3: JointThe joint is made of plastic since plastic is easier to construct, saves money, and is readily available. Compared to other types of plastics, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) best suits umbrella joints. Low Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, High Density Polyethylene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate are weak.

Part 4: FixerPlastic is the best material for use as fixer because it is readily available, saves money, and easy to construct. The significant strength of PVC helps in making better fixers for the umbrella. Part 5: CoverThe cover material-Nylon (polyamide), provides the best choice for clothing material because it is: resilient to wear, difficult to link except mechanically, self-lubricating, creamy in color, resistant to extremely high temperatures, resistant to most chemicals, machines well, low friction coefficient, hard tough, bearing surfaces.

Part 6: SpringFor the spring design, Ferritic steel is used because it is capable of maintaining its strength indeterminately, the surface is well sheltered from rust, recyclable and it is flexible and strong. Ferritic steels are also non-magnetic and contain less carbon (0.1%), 12-17% chromium, and other elements used in alloys; factors vital for the strength of the finished products. (Illustration of material suitability using CES)The material selection above indicates that assembling an umbrella is a difficult engineering work.

Several modern umbrellas have telescoping frames that enclose expansion springs. The frames are also attached to the second spring using a rider. The duties that each part carries out prove that the material selection phase needs proper analysis by CES. Mechanisms that are needed in the umbrella model should consider the product contraction and expansion.(Main components of an umbrella)(Selection of clothing material)The product incorporated parts that help in easing the manufacturing phase. Some of the parts included materials such as multipurpose parts, standardized rivets, and stamped links that are can be worked with easily.

Aluminum, steel and plastic are the best materials to be used for a basic umbrella design. BibliographyAshby, M. F. & Cebon, D. (1993). Materials selection in mechanical design. Le Journal de Physique IV, 3(C7), C7-1.