Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
ME20263 Materials science 2 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 40%, EX 60% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: This unit develops from the introductory ideas of structure of materials presented in the first year and uses those ideas to show how the basic mechanics and physical properties of constructional materials are determined by their molecular and crystaline nature. The unit forms a basis for the further development of an understanding of design aspects of materials at the macroscopic rather than the atomic level. The unit identifies a number of aspects of the behaviour of building materials of specific importance to the engineer, with emphasis being on problems of design and selection of materials for given service conditions.
Learning Outcomes: The successful student will be able to demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the relationship between microstructure and properties, and an understanding of behaviour which affects the long term performance of construction materials. Skills: Ability to apply knowledge of properties and modes of failure of materials to civil engineering design. Content: * Classification of engineering materials according to type and properties. * Elastic behaviour, linear and non-linear. The elastic moduli, anistropy; elastic properties of crystals and polycrystals; composite materials. rubber elasticity. * Viscoelastic behaviour and time dependent effects. * Strength of engineering materials. Theoretical and actual strenghts of solids; improving the strength of real materials. Problems of designing with brittle materials. * Longer term effects. Fatigue and creep (introductory). * Durability of metals and plastics. Corrosion and environmental attack (introductory). * Engineering design: The process of engineering design in relation to materials evaluation and selection; relevance of measured properties to service conditions. * Short-term mechanical effects: Time-dependent behaviour of metals, plastics, concrete, timber; creep and fatigue; combined effects of fatigue and corrosion. * Long term chemical behaviour: Durability and ageing; changes in materials properties in service conditions. Corrosion and protection of metals and alloys; environmental degredation of plastics; chemical degradation of concrete - sulphate attack, conversion of HAC etc.; biodeterioration of timber and protection methods; flammability and fire damage to building materials. Long term stability of adhesives and adhesive bonds. |