| Abstract Scope |
Reverse engineering is a task sometimes asked of materials scientists and engineers. Whether used to determine processes lost to history, or methods used by competitors or adversaries, the techniques of unlocking the mysteries of a product remain the same. As an example of reverse engineering, modern materials science techniques have been applied to historical sword making. By utilizing information such as composition, microstructure, and available resources, a possible manufacturing method of Bronze Age swords was experimentally determined. Alternatively, derived requirements such as impact toughness, hardness, and cost were used to experimentally establish a possible manufacturing method of a Renaissance era flamberge longsword. |