Impediments to an Elusive Dream : Computer Access to Numeric Data for Engineering Materials

  • Jack H. Westbrook
  • J. G. Kaufman
Chapter
Part of the Data and Knowledge in a Changing World book series (DATAKNOWL)

Abstract

Direct and easy-to-use access to a worldwide network of numeric material property databases has been an objective for the past fifteen years, and yet that result remains elusive. In this paper, the authors explore the technical and non-technical issues that have limited it, note some actions that may help meet the objective, and speculate on the nature of the next generation of materials data networks.

Among the key points brought out are (1) the relative complexity of numeric data on materials, (2) the problems in making an online system as readily accessible and easy to use as needed for end user searchers, and (3) the economic squeeze between the high costs to achieve success (points 1–2) and the requirement to become selfsufficient and generate a financially self sufforting system. A significant added problem is the lack of consistently high quality data and databases or networks thereof sufficiently comprehensive to meet the needs of a broad range of potential users with varying needs.

Keywords

Network database numeric materials properties thesaurus interface 

Resume

L’accès direct et facile à un réseau mondial de banques de données sur les propriétés des matériaux constitue un objectif vieux de quinze années et cependant evasif Dans cet article les auteurs explorent les objectifs techniques et non techniques sources de limitations, évoquent quelques actions susceptibles d’être utilisées pour avancer et spéculent sur la nature d’un prochain réseau sur les données des matériaux.

Parmi les points clés évoqués , signalons (1) la complexité relative des banques de données numériques de matériaux (2) le problème de la simplification des systèmes en ligne conduisant à une utilisation finale aisée (3) l’impasse financière liée à la recherche des coûts élevés (points 1–2) et la recherche d’un système autofinancé. Un autre problème important est celui de l’insuffisance de données de haute qualité et des bases de données ou réseaux associés pour faire face à la diversité des besoins potentiels des utilisateurs.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jack H. Westbrook
    • 1
  • J. G. Kaufman
    • 2
  1. 1.Brookline TechnologiesBallston SpaUSA
  2. 2.The Aluminum AssociationN.W.USA

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