Assessing whether a computational implementation solves its specified equations or rules correctly.

Assessing whether a model is sufficiently consistent with independent observations for a specified scientific use. Validation has a domain of applicability and is not a proof of universal correctness.

Representing and propagating uncertainty in measurements, parameters, initial conditions and model structure into predictions.

Modeling a system through interacting individual entities, such as cells, with rules for their states, behavior and environment.

Resistance to localized indentation or scratching; its measurement depends on the test geometry and load.

Capacity to absorb mechanical energy before fracture. Fracture toughness is a more specific measure of resistance to propagation of an existing crack.

Material selection chooses materials by matching their properties and processing routes to a component's requirements. First exclude candidates violating constraints such as operating temperature, corrosion resistance or minimum stiffness, then compare a performance objective such as mass or cost. A tension member carrying force $F$ over length $L$ needs area at least $F/{\sigma }_{\mathrm{allow}}$, giving mass at least $FL\rho /{\sigma }_{\mathrm{allow}}$. Thus specific strength is relevant for this strength-limited case. A stiffness-limited beam can instead have a different material performance index, so there is no universally best lightweight material independent of geometry and loading.

A limiting compressive stress measured under specified conditions. Failure can involve yielding, crushing, splitting or instability; a slender specimen can buckle before its intrinsic compression limit is reached.

The ultimate tensile strength in an ordinary tension test is the maximum applied tensile force divided by the specimen's original cross-sectional area:It is the peak engineering stress, not necessarily the stress at final fracture and not the same as yield strength. A specimen with $A_0=10{\mathrm{mm}}^2$ and peak load $5\mathrm{kN}$ has tensile strength $500\mathrm{MPa}$. Necking reduces the current area, so true stress using that area can behave differently after the engineering-stress peak. Temperature, loading rate and specimen preparation belong to the test conditions.^[ref]

Damage and possible failure under repeated loading, including crack initiation and growth at stresses below a single-load strength limit.

Time-dependent deformation under sustained mechanical load. Its rate depends on stress, temperature and microstructure.

Controlled heating, holding and cooling to change a material's microstructure and properties. Precipitation hardening and steel tempering are examples.

The existence of a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by an applied electric field. A polar material is not necessarily switchable under useful conditions.

A material layer whose thickness is small relative to its lateral extent. Initial surface nucleation and later growth on the deposited material can obey different chemical conditions.

Materials whose properties and performance are considered in a nuclear-energy or radiation environment. Radiation damage in materials, coolant compatibility and temperature-dependent properties are coupled to the component's mechanical function.