This chapter outlines the step-by-step processes by which materials are selected in order to prevent or control corrosion and includes information on materials that are resistant to the various forms of corrosion. The various forms of corrosion covered are general (uniform) corrosion, localized corrosion, galvanic corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress-corrosion cracking, hydrogen damage, and erosion-corrosion. In addition, the economic importance of cost-effective materials selection is also considered.

The challenge of materials selection is to achieve adequate performance at the lowest possible cost. Corrosion resistance is not the only property to be considered in making materials selections. Typical requirements and some of the procedures involved in making a selection and some of the factors that must be considered when determining the corrosion performance of a given material are listed in this chapter. The various steps that might be included in a materials selection process are then examined. These include a review of operating conditions and design, the selection of candidate materials, the in-depth evaluation of each candidate material, fabrication requirements, follow-up monitoring, and final materials selection. Material considerations such as cost, materials properties, and processing and fabrication requirements are subsequently covered. Finally, the chapter provides information on materials selection under general corrosion conditions and under conditions of localized corrosion forms such as pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking.

This chapter addresses some of the challenges involved in materials selection, providing context for much of the information presented in the book. It describes a typical four-step design scenario, noting material-related considerations and information needs. It explains how design decisions are complicated by the interconnected nature of material properties, design geometry, and manufacturing requirements and effects. The chapter also assesses the design impact of several materials and discusses codes, standards, and specifications.

This chapter consists of three parts. The first part provides data and guidelines for selecting materials and processing routes. It compares the basic properties of metals, ceramics, and polymers, identifies important measures of performance, and discusses manufacturing processes and their compatibility with specific materials. The chapter then presents general guidelines for selecting lightweight materials, and concludes with a review of lightweight metals, plastics, and composites used in automotive applications.

This chapter provides guidelines and insights on the selection of materials, coatings, and treatments for friction and wear applications. It begins with a review of the system nature of tribological effects, the subtleties of friction, and the selection idiosyncrasies of the material systems and lubricants covered in prior chapters. It then presents a systematic approach for selecting tribomaterials, using an automotive fan motor as an example.