Computerized Materials Property Data Systems

Because of the harshness of the marine environment, the selection of materials for structural and other purposes has always been a demanding task, complicated by the enhancement of mechanical failures by corrosion. Not only are data such as corrosion fatigue scarce, locating the available data can be very difficult. The computer offers an opportunity to allow easy and efficient access to technical data. Over the last few years, a great deal of activity has been started to build a comprehensive materials data system to meet the needs of industrial and other materials data users. One result has been to establish the National Materials Property Data Network. Recognizing that databases will be built by the same wide variety of groups that now publish books and that people wish to learn to use only one kind of computer system, the Network plans to offer a gateway service that features a common user interface, a convenient catalog of existing data, and coverage of all types of engineering materials and their properties. Progress towards these goals will be described as well as efforts to make available high-quality data of interest to marine environments.