Compressive vs. Tensile Strength: A Matter of Definition and Relevance
The discussion centers around the nature and relative importance of compressive and tensile strength in materials science. Some argue that tensile strength is more fundamental and practically relevant, while others clarify the definitions and nuances of compressive strength.
- Tensile strength as fundamental: Some consider tensile strength the "only true strength" ("prmph"). There's a sentiment that compressive strength, while measurable, is less universally applicable in assessing a material's ability to withstand deformation.
- Compressive strength in context: Others clarify the definition of compressive strength, referencing Wikipedia and other sources ("prmph"). There's emphasis on understanding the specific types of forces a material is subjected to.
- Theoretical vs. practical considerations: "hwillis" articulates that "compressive strength' is not really a thing, in that it's only a metric that is useful for practical applications. It's proportional to tensile strength, and unlike tensile strength it does not generalize well to things like modeling stress. Tensile strength is a much more fundamental quality than compressive strength."
- Shear stress as the ultimate failure mode: "hydrogen7800" argues the point further, declaring "'all failure is shear failure'". They assert that both tensile and compressive tests ultimately result in shear failure at a microscopic level.
The Limpet Tooth Material: Novelty, Applications, and Sustainability
Discussions about the limpet tooth material itself touch on its potential applications (e.g., aircraft construction), concerns about the feasibility and timeline of these applications, and the sustainability claims surrounding its production.
- Potential applications and skepticism: There's speculation about using the material for armor ("throwawee") and aircraft construction ("Ancalagon"). However, this is often accompanied by sarcasm, questioning timelines and practicality.
- The Nature article and sustainability claims: "0x38B" quotes a Nature article that discusses producing limpet teeth material using waste chitin from the fishing industry, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to existing synthetics.
- Critique of sustainability claims: "GrantMoyer" argues that the sustainability claims are questionable, as the fishing industry itself is highly unsustainable and polluting, effectively undermining the premise of the Nature article's motivation.
- Box-Checking for Funding: "gibspaulding" cynically suggests that positing a research project will contribute to sustainability ""is sort of the researchers equivalent of describing the pile of if statements in your software product as AI. Meaningless but largely harmless box checking to make sure that someone who might give you money doesn’t decline to give you money because someone else did a better job of looking trendy.""
Fantasy Bioengineering and Worldbuilding: Recommendations for Further Reading
The discussion briefly veers into recommendations for books featuring bioengineering, unique fantasy worldbuilding, or alternatives to common fantasy tropes.
- Fantasy Recommendations: "VladVladikoff" requests recommendations for fantasy books involving bioengineering or unique worldbuilding.
- Responses with Specific Titles: Such books recommended by other users include "The Tainted Cup" and "A Drop of Corruption" ("VladVladikoff"), "Tress of the Emerald Sea" ("yreg"), and Harry Harrison's "West of Eden" series ("dekhn"). Each response highlights unique aspects of the recommended world, which includes genetic engineering.