Data Evaluation Theory and Practice for Materials Properties

Book excerpt: Data evaluation is the process by which collections of data are assessed with respect to reliability, completeness, and consistency. This work addresses data evaluation for materials properties as a scientific discipline that evolves from the formal underpinnings of materials metrology. A theoretical foundation for data evaluation is developed and then illustrated in a practical application to the development of an operational protocol for materials property data. An extensive collection of examples is used to examine, in succession, the issues of accessibility, reproducibility, consistency, and predictability. Distinctions are made among definitive relations, correlations, derived and semi-empirical relations, heuristic theories, and value estimates.