Materials 1
Module aims
The course presents information on the microstructure and mechanical response of all classes of engineering and natural materials, aiming and establishing a clear link between the two aspects. It introduces fundamental concepts of stress analysis and mechanics of solids as well as basic aspects of material selection. The students are given access to the course slides and to a detailed reading list entirely based on Volumes 1 and 2 of ‘Engineering Materials’ by Ashby and Jones. The software Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES) is introduced and used as a teaching aid. The course includes a laboratory on materials response.
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module you should be able to:
1. Describe the different classes of engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics) and their microstructure, properties and deformation mechanisms;
2. Use Ashby charts and the concept of merit index to perform basic materials selection;
3. Demonstrate understanding of elastic problems in solid mechanics, including governing equations, boundary conditions, change of reference system and Mohr circle construction;
4. Demonstrate understanding of the mechanisms of irreversible deformation: plasticity (metals), viscous elastic-plastic response (polymers), asymmetric brittle response (ceramics);
5. Determine mechanical properties via tension, compression and hardness tests;
6. Demonstrate understanding of the different types of atomic bonding, molecular structure and microstructures, and understanding of mechanisms that control mechanical properties;
7. Understand the concept of statistical strength, size dependence and Weibull distribution.
8. Understand theory and practice of strain gauges and use of electronic components to build and use a Wheatstone bridge to perform Young’s modulus measurements, as well as the practical and scientific aspects of how to perform tension tests to failure and microhardness tests and the dependence of hardness upon applied load and its relation to the yield stress. Practice data reduction and the delivery of an effective scientific report.
Module syllabus
Introduction - Engineering materials and their properties; Mechanical response of solids; Stress versus strain response;
Introduction to material selection;
3D Elasticity; stress and strain tensors; constitutive, equilibrium and compatibility equations; transformations of stress and strain tensors; Inter-atomic forces and different atomic bonds;
Packing of atoms in solids and physical basis of Young's modulus;
Yield strength, tensile strength and ductility; dislocations and yielding in crystals;
Plasticity of poly-crystals and strengthening methods;
Continuum aspects of plastic flow; yield criteria, basic fracture mechanics;
Compatibility equations, strong form of equilibrium equations;
Fast fracture and toughness; micromechanics of fracture;
Metals, polymers, ceramics.
Teaching methods
The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualiser.
Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets and laboratory exercises, featuring analytical, computational and experimental tasks representative of those carried out by practising engineers.
Assessments
This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment.
You will be formatively assessed through progress tests and tutorial sessions.
You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.
You will be summatively assessed by a written closed-book examination at the end of the module as well as through practical laboratory assessments.
If module is failed, the typical reassessment offered will be exam only.
| Assessment type
|
Assessment description
|
Weighting
|
Pass mark
|
| Examination
|
Closed-book examination
|
90%
|
40%
|
| Practical
|
Laboratory assessment
|
10%
|
40%
|
You will receive feedback both during the laboratory sessions and following the coursework submission.
You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.
You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.
Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors.
Reading list