Materialdrempels

Materialdrempels are thresholds used in materials engineering to determine whether a material is suitable for a given application. They combine quantitative targets, such as minimum tensile strength, yield stress, fracture toughness, and thermal stability, with qualitative requirements like corrosion resistance, manufacturability, and long-term durability. By defining these thresholds, designers and engineers can screen candidate materials early and focus on options that meet the essential performance and cost criteria.

The term is common in Dutch-language technical literature and in design optimization practices. It reflects a threshold-based approach to material selection: if a candidate fails to reach a materialdrempel, it is excluded from consideration. The concept supports structured decision-making across project stages—from concept evaluation to detailed design and lifecycle assessment.

Materialdrempels cover mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental dimensions. Examples include a marine component requiring corrosion resistance and fatigue life above set thresholds; a consumer device enclosure needing heat resistance and manufacturability; and a building material with limits on embodied energy, recyclability, and supply risk.

Applications are strongest in early-stage screening and optimization, where data quality is variable. Limitations include dependence on context, variability in material performance, and evolving technology. Regular updates to thresholds are necessary as new materials, standards, and testing methods emerge.

See also: material selection, design for reliability, performance criteria, lifecycle assessment, and material property databases.