ENGINEERING MATERIALS - 2021/2

Module Overview

A lecture and tutorial based module, which will build on an earlier module to provide a deeper understanding and broader appreciation of materials for engineering applications, with an emphasis on deployment in challenging environments requiring a combination of properties. The first part of the module will (i) examine the processing-microstructure-properties that underpin materials selection, performance and deployment, (ii) examine basic methods of materials selection.

The second part of the module examines specific engineering materials: technical ceramics, polymers, elastomers, steels, aluminium alloys, titanium alloys and nickel-based alloys. Throughout the second part of the module specific applications are explored. These include aerospace, automotive, gas turbine and biomedical applications. A two-hour case study provides a concluding showcase of the role of engineering materials and the application of the major materials classes. This case study is currently undersea oil extraction.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

WHITING Mark (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

ENG1063 (Materials and Statics) and completion of the progress requirements of Level HE2.

Module content

Indicative content:

• The classification of engineering Materials classification: ceramics, metals, polymers, elastomers, hybrids, natural materials, etc. The role of crystal structure and atomic/molecular bonding in determining the physical properties of Engineering Materials. The role of microstructure in determining the engineering properties of Engineering Materials. An introduction to processing–microstructure–property relationships. [6L]


• An overview of materials selection. The importance of resource management (materials and energy) and the need to design for end of life: re-use and recycling. [3L]


• Engineering ceramics: properties, processing and applications. [3L]


• Engineering polymers (including composites): properties, processing and applications. [3L]


• Heat treatment, nucleation and growth, phase diagrams, time-temperature-transformation diagrams, continuous cooling transformation diagrams. [3L]


• Engineering steels: properties, processing, microstructure and applications. [3L]


• Titanium alloys: properties, processing, microstructure and applications. Nickel alloys: properties, processing, microstructure and applications. [3L]


• Bone as an example of hierarchically structured material. Biomaterials – requirements, range of materials used: bio-inert, bioactive and resorbable. Overview of applications, including Case Study – total hip replacement – stem, including coating, femoral head and cup [3L]


• Major engineering Case Study: The materials challenges of subsea oil extraction. [2L]


• Review. [2L]

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate they can (i) describe the interplay between processing, microstructure and properties across a range of materials, (ii) explain the rationale for using specific materials in a range of applications, (iii) explain case studies that demonstrate how to choose and process a material to meet a number of complex requirements, and (iv) provide a critical comparison of the suitability of a number of materials for an existing or proposed application, taking into account sustainability issues.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of a single Coursework Assignment [testing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4] requiring a nominal 50 hours of study.

Formative assessment and feedback is provided in the form of verbal feedback given in tutorials and during discussion elements in lectures.

Module aims

• To build on the overview of materials provided at Year 1 and to provide a deeper understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationships in all major classes of materials.
• To explain the rationale underpinning the selection and subsequent deployment of materials for use in a range of environments, which necessitates a number of requirements to be met simultaneously.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

(i) Consolidate an understanding of the relationships between microstructure, processing and properties, (ii) evaluate the specific advantages and disadvantages of the major materials classes as engineering materials, and (iii) explore materials selection as an engineering problem. These three areas are achieved principally through lectures and tutorial classes. During the first 6 weeks, this is evaluated by a summative assignment.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 31 hours of lectures over 11 weeks


• 10 hours of tutorials over 10 weeks


• 15 hours of assignment work.
   
  

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG3164

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.