Introductory description

This module provides a practical understanding of the processing/structure/property relationships, cost and selection of commonly used metals and polymer materials by reviewing the range available, their properties and broad areas of application.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to the Module
Introduction to Mechanical Properties
Introduction to the Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES)
Origin of Material Properties
More Complex Material Selection with CES
Origin of Mechanical Properties: Metals
Introduction to Ferrous Materials
Aluminium Alloys
Introduction to Polymeric Materials
Materials Selection, Plastics
Heat Treatment of Ferrous Materials
High-Performance Material Case Study
Automotive Material Selection Case Study

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Understand the main mechanical property tests applies to engineering materials, the data they can provide and analyse operating environments of products or components to determine appropriate mechanical/physical property requirements for successful operation.
• 2. Proficiently use the Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES) software to extract information/data and by applying their knowledge of operating environments and property requirements, interrogate the software to select appropriate materials for any given requirement.
• 3. Analyse the pros and cons of adopting any new material based on their knowledge and a wide range of data/information from multiple sources (e.g., CES, journal papers, websites) considering both the technical and non-technical aspects of materials selection and corporate strategy.

Indicative reading list

Materials Science and Engineering, an Introduction,
William D. Callister, Ed. 8, Wiley, 2012, ISBN-13: 978-0470419977.

Materials selection in Mechanical Design,
M. F. Ashby, Ed. 4, Elsevier, 2011, ISBN: 978-1-85617-663-7.

Engineering Materials
M. F. Ashby & D. R. H. Jones, Ed. 4, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, 2011, ISBN: 978008096665

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understanding of how chemical bonds in materials affect material properties; Understanding of mechanical tests required to measure material properties; Understanding of the role of defects in metals; Application of knowledge to steel & aluminium; Proficiency in the use of the Cambridge Engineering Selector software to identify appropriate materials for an application; Understanding the wider environmental impact of material selection

Transferable skills

Technology literacy; teamwork; application of engineering to a business setting