Introductory description

It is estimated that 70% of innovation arising from engineering research and development is based on advancements in materials science and the associated manufacturing techniques. Engineers are required to make appropriate selection of materials and manufacturing processes taking due account of performance, cost and sustainability to maintain the competitiveness of a product in light of technological advancements and developments in economical, social and environmental requirements.

Module web page

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.

The Module will cover the 4 main classes of Materials.

• Steels and other Ferrous alloys
• Non Ferrous alloys
• Polymeric Materials
• Composites, Ceramics and Glasses

Each of these classes will be characterised by the explaining the following aspects of Materials Science

• Atomic and molecular structure, microstructure, macrostructure
• Appropriate mechanical, physical, chemical, environmental, electrical, electronic, and manufacturing properties
• Transformations in materials structures
• Structure-property relationships
• Manufacturing Processes and Constraints
• In service considerations, degradation and failure
• Environmental and sustainability considerations.
• Selection of appropriate materials
• Selection of appropriate manufacturing processes (shaping, joining and surface treatment).

Learning outcomes

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

• Distinguish the main classes of engineering materials and the underlying materials science that determines their properties and their applications.
• Explain how the structure of engineering materials affect the properties through the structure property relationship
• Describe how structures of materials can be manipulated to enhance the properties of materials
• Link the performance of engineered products to the complex interactions between material, manufacturing process and design
• Select an appropriate engineering material and manufacturing process for a given design
• Evaluate the life cycle environmental impacts related to material and process choice

Indicative reading list

Materials science and engineering Book by William D. Callister; David G. Rethwisch

The Science and Engineering of Materials. Donald R. Askeland, Wendelin J. Wright.
Seventh edition, SI. Boston, MA : Cangage Learning, [2016]

Materials Selection in Mechanical Design / Michael F. Ashby. Butterworth-Heinemann 2011. 4th ed.

Engineering Materials 1 [electronic resource] : an Introduction to Properties, Applications, and Design. Michael F. Ashby, David R.H. Jones. Butterworth-Heinemann 2012. 4th edition

Engineering Materials 1 : An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design by Michael F. Ashby and David R.H. Jones. Butterworth-Heinemann 2011. 4th ed.

Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers. James F. Shackelford. Pearson Prentice Hall 2009 7th ed.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

1. Plan and conduct a materials selection process using a CAE tool
2. Knowledge and understanding of the underpinning science of materials behaviour and the link between structure and properties.
3. Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and their relationships with the various classes of materials.
4. Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills to safely evaluate materials properties via destructive and non-destructive means, understand the value of the data being generated, and analyse that data to extract materials property values.
5. Knowledge and understanding of the balance between material performance, cost and environmental impact.

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimise solutions within the context of a materials selection activity.
2. Apply laboratory skills, data gathering & evaluation, and the effective use of materials testing facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
4. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
5. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management
6. Awareness of the blended cost of manufacturing with materials in the creation of economic and social value
7. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
8. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.