Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
ME20263: Materials science 2 |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 10%, EX 90% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | ME20263 Re-assessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take ME10232 |
| Description: | Aims: Introductory information on the microstructure and properties of materials, presented in the first year unit ME10232, is applied to materials of construction. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit the student will have: * Selected materials for civil engineering applications by comparing their properties, cost and environmental impact. * Evaluated the directional properties of anisotropic materials. * An understanding of the micromechanics and mechanical properties of composites materials and their applications in construction. * An understanding of the structure and properties of asphalt, bituminous materials and concrete. * Applied the principles of corrosion and degradation to metals, polymers concrete and timber. Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently. Content: Selection of materials for construction: spectrum of mechanical and physical properties, resource implications, cost and environmental impact. Mechanical properties of materials: elastic, plastic, rubber-elastic and time-dependent properties. The theory of elasticity: isotropic materials (e.g. steel, aluminium, concrete, glass), anisotropic materials (e.g. fibres, composites, panel products) in three dimensions. Fibre composites theory: Rule of Mixtures, stress transfer, toughness, innovative uses of composites in construction, e.g. composite bridges, repair of concrete structures and joining of timber structures. Introduction to asphalt and bituminous materials. Structure and rheology. Problems of working with high creep materials. Long term chemical behaviour: Durability, ageing and changes in materials properties in service conditions. Chemical degradation of concrete and use of blended cements. Durability of metals and plastics to corrosion and environmental attack. Relationship to reinforced concrete and resistance to chloride ingress and carbonation. Flammability and fire damage to building materials. Biodeterioration of timber and protection methods. |