The critical role of materials metrology in engineering

TLDR: In this article, the critical underpinning role of materials research and testing for contemporary engineering and future technologies is analyzed, and the relevance of an appropriate metrological base for the establishment of industrial standards, agreed codes of practice and the harmonization of test procedures for the international trade of technical products is discussed.

Abstract: This paper analyses the critical underpinning role of materials research and testing for contemporary engineering and future technologies. It is obvious that measurements, tests and evaluations of materials and components, i.e. materials metrologies, are crucial to provide the information and data needed to optimize the function of engineering structures. The industrial needs and research trends in materials metrology are reviewed, and recent BAM-developments of measuring techniques for high-technology sectors, like high-temperature technology or high-performance ceramics, are presented. Finally, the relevance of an appropriate metrological base for the establishment of industrial standards, agreed codes of practice and the harmonization of test procedures for the international trade of technical products is discussed.