Q: What is Characterization, and why do it? A: Characterization enables quantification of physical properties important for success of a part used in a given environment. It assumes that the environment can be defined. Mechanical/Physical Stress - tensile, compressive, flexure, etc. Impact, cyclical - including strain rate Phase content, surface morphology Thermal, electrical, etc., as applicable Chemical/Corrosive Liquid Gaseous Thermal Elevated temperature - accelerates chemical reactions, e.g., oxidation Micro structural effects may be present Reasons for Characterization In design/development, must qualify a part for the predicted environment, then test it in prototype systems or carefully designed and controlled "real world" use. If conducting a post mortem, the purpose is to describe the steps leading to the observed failure so future parts can be fixed -- usually through surface engineering. Regardless of motive for characterization start with the environment of use: temperature, stresses - type/magnitude, atmosphere - corrosive/ oxidative, etc.