| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T23: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
History of Materials Science and Engineering
|
| Presentation Title |
Materials Science vs. Engineering – Paradoxes, Peculiarities, and Tensions in an Ever-Evolving Field |
| Author(s) |
Robert E. Hackenberg |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Robert E. Hackenberg |
| Abstract Scope |
Materials Science and Engineering has deep and varied historical roots, yet remains a young field. The materials tetrahedron plays an important role in conceptually organizing the various facets of MSE, but divergences from its roots in physics and other fields make more specific definition of a disciplinary core of knowledge rather elusive. The field strongly reflects the initial historical circumstances that gave rise to MSE as a concept (at least in the USA), particularly the post-Sputnik imperatives of Cold War-era aerospace aspirations. It likewise bears imprints of the varied and conflicting professional, industrial, and societal incentives and demands of and on MSE more broadly over ensuing decades. Comparison with mature disciplines such as the basic sciences and the classical engineering fields reveals paradoxes and peculiarities in this still-emerging field that claims the dual titles of science and engineering. The tension between pure and applied aspects will be highlighted. |