INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING

PROPERTIES OF AB MATERIALS MODULE 1

Prepared by: Engr. Camille F. Manlapig

Importance of AB Materials Topic 1

Objectives:

1. Determine the different

AB Materials and their
importance
INTRODUCTION
The materials used in Agricultural
and Biosystems Engineering are of
paramount importance due to the
unique and challenging nature of
applications in this field. These
properties directly influence the
functionality, efficiency, safety, and
sustainability of equipment, structures,
and systems used in AB contexts.
 PROPERTIES OF AB MATERIALS Topic 2

Objectives:
1. Define and differentiate the different
categories of material properties: Physical,
Electrical, Thermal, Optical, and Mechanical

2. Identify the importance of these properties

in various Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering applications.
APPLICATION OF AB PROPERTIES

Conduct a research from the library or internet regarding the following

topics. List the corresponding engineering properties of AB materials
involved on the following:

1) Precision Agriculture:
2) Bioenergy Production:
3) Food Processing and Storage:
4) Environmental Monitoring:
5) Bioreactors and Bioprocessing:
APPLICATION
1) Precision Agriculture: Electrical properties enable sensor-driven data collection,
while optical properties aid remote sensing and imaging for precision farming.
2) Bioenergy Production: Thermal properties play a role in efficient energy
conversion, while mechanical properties influence equipment durability.
3) Food Processing and Storage: Materials with appropriate physical, thermal, and
electrical properties ensure safe and efficient processing and storage of
agricultural products.
4) Environmental Monitoring: Electrical and optical properties are integral to
sensors used in environmental monitoring and control systems.
5) Bioreactors and Bioprocessing: Materials with suitable physical and chemical
properties are crucial for maintaining the viability of biological processes.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MODULE 2
AB MATERIALS
Prepared by: Engr. Camille F. Manlapig
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AB MATERIAL

Physical Characteristics of Agricultural and Biosystems (AB)

Materials include Size, Shape, Surface Area, and Porosity.

The physical characteristics of materials play a crucial role in

determining their behavior and suitability for various applications
in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
Here's a detailed description of the key physical
characteristics: Size, Shape, Surface Area, and Porosity:

1. Size:
Size refers to the dimensions of a material,
including its length, width, and height. In AB
materials, size is an essential characteristic that
affects how materials interact with their
surroundings and other components. (small,
medium, large, thin, thick, narrow)
EXAMPLE:
1. Wood:
 Structural Strength: The size and dimensions of wooden beams, planks, or boards are crucial when
designing structures (thin, thick, 4ft by 8ft, 4x4, 2x2x8). Larger sizes are often used for load-
bearing elements to ensure structural integrity.
 Woodworking: For crafting furniture or wooden objects, the size of wood pieces affects the design
and functionality of the final product. The larger the schedule number, the thinner the sheet of wood
can be.

2. Plastic:
 Manufacturing Processes: Injection molding and extrusion, common plastic manufacturing
techniques, require consideration of the size and shape of the plastic part to optimize production
efficiency (small plastic wares are handy and used in everyday needs such as plastic bags, plastic
bottles, sachets, etc; while larger plastic wares are used as storage..
 Product Design: The size of plastic components affects the aesthetics and functionality of consumer
products, from small electronic enclosures to large storage containers.
EXAMPLE:

3. Rubber:
 Sealing and Gaskets (linings or rings): When using rubber for sealing applications, the size
and shape of the rubber gaskets or seals must match the specific dimensions and tolerances
of the mating parts.
 Tires: In the case of rubber tires, size considerations are crucial for vehicle compatibility,
load-bearing capacity, and performance.

4. Metal:
 Construction: In construction, the size and dimensions of metal beams, columns, and
structural components are essential for ensuring safety and stability in buildings and bridges.
 Manufacturing: In metalworking, the size of metal sheets, bars, or tubes influences the
ease of machining, welding, and forming processes. (size of gold, silver)
EXAMPLE:

5. Glass:
 Windows and Glazing: For architectural purposes, the size of glass panels must align with
the dimensions of windows, doors, or curtain walls. This affects natural lighting, aesthetics, and
energy efficiency.

In addition to these specific considerations, material waste, cost, transportation

logistics, and environmental impact can also be affected by the size of these materials. Smaller
sizes may lead to less waste, reduced transportation costs, and more efficient use of resources
(but it is better if you would buy products with a larger size or refillable than using sachets that
contribute to the increase of wastes produced daily).. Conversely, larger sizes may be necessary
for certain applications to meet strength or functional requirements. Therefore, size
considerations should be carefully evaluated in the context of the intended use and design
constraints for each material.
Here's a detailed description of the key physical
characteristics: Size, Shape, Surface Area, and Porosity:

2. Shape:
Shape refers to the geometry or form of a
material. Different shapes impact how materials
interact with other objects, fluids, and environments.
The shape of AB materials has significant implications
for their movement, flow, and behavior.
EXAMPLE:
1. Wood:
 Structural Integrity: The shape of wood is essential for maintaining structural
integrity. Wood can be cut and shaped into various forms, but the design should consider
factors like load-bearing capacity, bending strength, and resistance to deformation
(chess pieces, staircase, table shape, etc).
 Aesthetics: Wood's natural grain patterns and color variations are often considered
when determining the shape for furniture and decorative items.

2. Plastic:
 Moldability: Plastics can be molded into various shapes, and the design should
consider the ease of manufacturing using injection molding, blow molding, or other
processes.
Ergonomics: In consumer products, the shape of plastic components often focuses on
user comfort, ease of use, and aesthetics.
 EXAMPLE:

3. Rubber:
 Elasticity: Rubber's shape can be crucial for its ability to deform and return to
its original shape. Considerations include compression, stretching, and bending.

4. Metal:
Strength and Rigidity: Metal shapes are often optimized for strength, rigidity,
and durability. Factors like cross-sectional area and geometry are critical for
load-bearing components. Different shapes are also used as frames of
machines, cars, coins, etc..)
Machinability: Metal components may require specific shapes that are easy to
machine and fabricate using cutting, welding, or other processes.
EXAMPLE:

5. Glass:
 Safety: The shape of glass in architectural applications, like windows and doors,
must consider safety. Tempered and laminated glass may be used to prevent
shattering.
 Aesthetics: In decorative glasswork and art, the shape of glass can be highly
artistic and may involve cutting, etching, and shaping to create intricate designs.

In all cases, the material's properties and intended function should guide the
choice of shape. Computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering principles are often
used to optimize shapes for specific applications, taking into account factors like
stress analysis, fluid dynamics, and manufacturing processes.
Here's a detailed description of the key physical
characteristics: Size, Shape, Surface Area, and Porosity:

3. Surface Area:
Surface area refers to the total area of a material's
external surface. In AB materials, the surface area plays a
key role in processes involving reactions, heat transfer,
and interactions with other materials. Factors like surface
roughness and texture impact how AB materials interact
with their environment.
EXAMPLE:

1. Wood:
 Finishing: The surface area of wood is crucial when applying finishes like paint, varnish, or stain.
Smoother surfaces tend to absorb finishes more evenly.
 Friction: In applications like flooring or handles, the texture of the wood's surface area can impact
grip and slip resistance.

2. Plastic:
 Texture and Appearance: Surface area considerations in plastic materials are often related to
texture and appearance. Smooth, glossy, or textured finishes can be applied to achieve different
aesthetic and functional effects.
 Adhesion: The surface area of plastics can affect adhesion properties, which is important when
gluing, printing, or bonding.
 Durability: Texturing or adding coatings can enhance the surface area's resistance to wear, abrasion,
and scratching.
EXAMPLE:

3. Rubber:
 Grip and Traction: Surface area in rubber is crucial for applications where grip and
traction are essential, such as tire treads or shoe soles.
 Anti-slip: Raised patterns or textures on rubber surfaces can improve anti-slip
properties in flooring, mats, and industrial applications.

4. Metal:
 Corrosion Resistance: Increasing the surface area of metal components can be
achieved by adding coatings, such as paint, powder coating, or plating, to protect
against corrosion.
 Aesthetics: Surface treatments like polishing or brushing can enhance the
appearance of metal surfaces.
EXAMPLE:

5. Glass:
 Light Transmission: For applications like windows, lenses, and optical devices, maximizing
the surface area while maintaining clarity (clearness) is essential for light transmission.
 Decorative Effects: Etching (engraving, drawing, carving), frosting (opacity, texturing), or
adding patterns to the surface area of glass can create decorative or privacy effects.
 Strength and Safety: Tempered and laminated glass are treated to enhance surface area
characteristics such as impact resistance and safety in case of breakage.

In summary, surface area considerations for these materials are closely tied to their
intended use, whether it's for aesthetics, functionality, durability, or safety. Engineers and
designers often choose specific surface treatments or finishes to optimize these
characteristics based on the material's properties and application requirements.
Here's a detailed description of the key physical
characteristics: Size, Shape, Surface Area, and Porosity:

4. Porosity:
Porosity refers to the proportion of void space
within a material. It is a measure of how much
open space is present compared to the total
volume of the material. Porosity impacts fluid
movement, aeration, and moisture retention.
EXAMPLE:
1. Wood:
 Moisture Absorption: Wood is naturally porous, and its porosity can affect moisture
absorption. In applications where dimensional stability is critical (e.g., construction,
furniture), the level of porosity must be controlled to prevent excessive swelling or shrinking
due to moisture changes.
 Finishing: The porosity of wood affects how it absorbs finishes like paint, varnish, or stain.
Surface preparation may be necessary to control porosity for an even finish.
 Strength and Weight: Porous regions within wood can weaken its structural properties, so
engineering considerations must account for this.

2. Plastic:
 Processing: The porosity of plastic materials can be controlled during manufacturing
processes like injection molding. Proper control is essential to ensure the material's strength
and integrity. (Styrofoam)
EXAMPLE:

3. Rubber:
 Compressibility: Porosity in rubber materials can affect their compressibility and
elasticity. In gasket applications, the level of porosity can impact the sealing
performance.
 Vibration Damping: Porous rubber can be used to absorb and dissipate vibrations
and impacts in applications such as shock absorbers and anti-vibration mounts.

4. Metal:
 Corrosion Resistance: The presence of pores or micro-voids in metal surfaces can
promote corrosion. Proper surface treatments or coatings may be needed to mitigate
this.
 Weight Reduction: In aerospace and automotive industries, lightweight porous
metals are used to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
EXAMPLE:

5. Glass:
 Insulation: Some specialized glass products, such as cellular or
foam glass, have controlled porosity and are used for thermal and
acoustic insulation.
 Filtration: Porous glass can be used in filtration applications
where the control of pore size is crucial.
LABORATORY ACT. #2