Study information

Materials - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEMaterials CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3160 MODULE CONVENERDr Yongde Xia (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 150
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module builds on the materials science content of the core course and equips you with a deeper understanding of the deformation, strengthening and failure of materials, including surface processes. You will learn about failed components and the processes and techniques of Materials analysis. The module content also emphasises the interrelationship between mathematical models of materials and their mechanical properties and provides material in support of the subsequent design modules.

AIMS - intentions of the module
By the end of this module, you will demonstrate aptitude in using phase diagrams, TTT-diagrams and micrographs to predict the composition and properties of metals and alloys. You will also be capable of applying the concept of dislocations to quantitatively describe plasticity, strengthening and creep, and utilising Weibull statistics to predict the failure of ceramics.
 
Furthermore, you will show competence in adopting advanced materials selection algorithms to support design, and will understand the different types of friction and wear and extract friction coefficients from typical graphs. Moreover, you will comprehend different types of surface treatments (including laser, nitriding and carburising) and have the ability to establish links between principles and applications.
 
In addition, you will appreciate the physical principle underlying material characterisation techniques (XRD, SEM, TEM, Thermal, Gas sorption) and interpret results. Finally, you will be able to identify which characterisation technique is best adapted to a given materials/situation and instruct a technician to this effect.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below.
 
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:  
 
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 
 
1 comprehend the procedures involved in the investigation of an engineering component (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6); 
 
2 understand X and gamma rays and their application in analysis and radiography, the operational modes of the SEM and the information that may be obtained from the instrument, and the TEM, its operation and the information which can be obtained (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6, C&M12); 
 
3 recognise the basic phenomena of friction and wear, and make qualitative predictions of tribological phenomena; (C&M1, C&M3) 
 
4 appreciate the use of materials selection maps, the methods of strengthening metals, and the methods of strengthening ceramics (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6, C&M13); 
 
5 illustrate first- hand experience in the investigation of a failed engineering component (C&M1, C&M2); 
 
6 interpret quantitatively TTT diagrams and the Weibull distribution (C&M1, C&M2, C&M6). 
 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:  
 
7 assess the key points and produce a critical review of a technical argument/report (C&M1, C&M12); 
 
8 link theory to practice in the solution to problems (C&M2, C&M6, C&M12). 
 
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:  
 
9 summarise the important points in an argument and provide a critical review (C&M2, C&M12).; 
 
10 exemplify improved presentational skills (C&M1, C&M12); 
 
11 demonstrate advanced research skills in the context of the case study (C&M1, C&M12). 
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- summary: case studies; materials examination techniques; non-destructive testing;

- X rays - generation, absorption, detection and diffraction;

- X rays - materials analysis and crystal alignment; scanning electron microscopy;

- introduction to friction and wear;

- role of dislocation and slip in the deformation of crystalline materials;

- yield, dislocation interaction;

- deformation and fracture;

- methods of strengthening materials;

- composites (fibrous and particulate);

- failure by fast fracture and fatigue.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 84 Guided Independent Study 66 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 45 Case study
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 15 Assignment sheet
Guided independent study 66 Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book 60 2 hours - January Exam 1-6 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13) Comments on scripts
Coursework – phase transformations and materials strengthening 10 5 sides A4 4,5,10 (C&M 1, 2, 6, 12, 13) Comments on scripts
Coursework – phase diagram coursework 10 5 sides A4 4-6,10,11 (C&M 1, 2, 6, 12, 13) Comments on scripts
Practical – case study report 20 4-8 pages A4 1-3,7-11 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 6, 12) Comments on scripts
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Exam Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1-11 (C&M 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13) Referral/Deferral Period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%.
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Reading list for this module:
 
Ashby & Jones. Engineering materials  1 : an introduction to their properties, applications and design, ed Electronic 2012. ISBN: 0750663812
 
Callister, WD.  Materials Science and Engineering: an introduction, 8th edition,John Wiley & Sons 2007. ISBN: 978-0470505861
 
Hull, Derek.  Introduction to dislocations,  Butterworth-Heinemann 2005. ISBN: 0750628618
 
Van Vlack, Lawrence.  Elements of materials science and engineering, 6th edition, Addison Wesley 1989. ISBN: 0201528223
 
Honeycombe, R. W. K. The plastic deformation of metals. Edward Arnold 1981.
 
Porter, David A.. Phase transformations in metals and alloys. Van Nostrand Reinhold 1981. ISBN: 0442304390
 
Daniel, Isaac M. Engineering mechanics of composite materials. OUP 1994. ISBN: 0195075064
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 3 (NQF level 6) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 1st October 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Materials; properties; material characterisation.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.