Abstract: Through listing the specific engineering application examples of modern materials selection methods, the elements of selecting engineering materials are summarized on the base of summarizing the new research progress of materials selection area. The different methods and features of materials selection are synthesized evaluated and optimized. It is demonstrated that the materials selection method according to fail resisting force indexes of structural members has important use value. It modifies the traditional customs of selecting engineering mate-rials and makes selecting materials more and more scientific and quantitative. It is discussed that the action and efficiency of materials database and expert consulting system in materials selecting area. It can help users quickly and generally search the information of materials.

Key words: Engineering materials, Materials database, Materials selection methods