Materials - 2024 entry

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.

By the end of this module, you will demonstrate aptititude 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.

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contrinutes to learning outcomes: SM1p, SM1m, SM3p, SM3m, SM4m, SM6m, EA4p, EA4m, EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m, G1p, G1m

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1p, SM1m, SM3p, SM3m, SM4m, SM6m, EA4p, EA4m

1 comprehend the procedures involved in the investigation of an engineering component;

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;

3 recognise the basic phenomena of friction and wear, and make qualitative predictions of tribological phenomena;

4 appreciate the use of materials selection maps, the methods of strengthening metals, and the methods of strengthening ceramics;

5 illustrate first- hand experience in the investigation of a failed engineering component;

6 interpret quantitatively TTT diagrams and the Weibull distribution.

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: EP2p, EP2m, EP3p, EP3m

7 assess the key points and produce a critical review of a technical argument/report;

8 link theory to practice in the solution to problems.

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: G1p, G1m

9 summarise the important points in an argument and provide a critical review;

10 exemplify improved presentational skills;

11 demonstrate advanced research skills in the context of the case study

- 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.

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

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: