Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

Aims of the unit can be identified as follows:

• To develop an awareness within students of the correlation between the structure of materials at the nano, micro and macro level and the properties of the three major classes of materials, namely, metals, polymers and ceramics.
• On the basis of structure/properties correlations, introduce students to the concepts involved in the designing the structure of a material to achieve a predetermined set of properties.
• To demonstrate and explore through the use of practical laboratory experience the structure/property relations of materials and their effect on performance.
• To make students aware of failure in materials and thereby develop an understanding of the principles of materials selection.
• Make students aware that many materials are derived from non-renewable sources and suffer from degradation in many forms in their application. Hence, bring students to the realisation that materials and technology can effectively contribute to building an ecologically friendly and sustainable environment.
• Inform students in the knowledge that advances in modern materials are playing critical roles in many new technologies.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• Describe the difference in atomic/molecular structure between the major classes of materials that give rise to differences in material properties.
• To analyse material response to mechanical and physical stimuli
• Compute mechanical properties of all major classes of materials on the basis of experiment
• Use mathematical knowledge and skills to calculate basic physical properties of materials
• Comment, particularly at the design and selection stage, on the suitability of different methods of strengthening of materials and the potential for material degradation
• Possess a basic methodology for materials selection in respect of the method of manufacture and its influence on structure/properties and anticipated performance, and the potential for recyclability.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures (36 hours), Laboratory Work (12 hours), Tutorials (12 hours)

Assessment:

Examination (50-60%), Test(s) (10-15%), Practical work (15-20%), Assignments (10-15%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

Content:

• Applications of Materials
• Atomic structure, electron configuration, bonding
• Crystal structure, unit cells, planes and direction, x-ray diffraction, density
• Amorphous structures, composition
• Dislocation theory, critical resolved shear stress
• Mechanical test of Metals, polymers, ceramics; mechanical testing
• Structure and mechanical properties of Engineering materials( metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics)
• Properties of concrete
• Recovery, recrystallisation, grain growth
• Failure, fatigue, ductile, brittle, impact, tensile, creep
• Material degradation and recycling
• Materials selection strategies, sustainability of materials utilisation
• Typical properties, properties by class of material, relationship between properties and failure modes, materials selection

Textbooks:

Recommended Reading:

References: