Overview:

This module builds upon a basic theory of materials as would be given in the first years of an undergraduate programme, and examines specific areas...

Overview:

This module builds upon a basic theory of materials as would be given in the first years of an undergraduate programme, and examines specific areas of materials science which are not normally taught as part of a basic materials curriculum. The module also aims to cover the fundamentals of process-structure-property relationships in materials, a wide range of manufacturing technologies, including steelmaking, rolling, welding and additive manufacturing. It also covers fracture mechanics, and the theory of fatigue failure in engineering materials, and non-destructive testing. This module also introduces advanced materials, e.g. biomaterials, for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and beyond.

The module is common to 4th year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students and MSc students from several postgraduate programmes. Given the wide range of backgrounds of the students who attend this module, the first few lectures given cover the basics of materials science and may well be revision for some students but totally new for others.

Topics covered:

Although many students will have studied materials science and engineering at undergraduate level, the module is designed to provide a common level of knowledge and then to introduce new subject matter such as advanced fracture mechanics and fatigue failure in engineering materials, and to provide a detailed look at some areas of materials application which are not normally covered at undergraduate level.

The module begins by providing a levelling to the material science knowledge of the course participants (who come from a wide range of academic backgrounds). This is then used as a springboard for dealing with more esoteric and advanced materials-based issues which are introduced as discrete case studies in materials science, particularly drawn from relevant and modern contexts (e.g. materials for additive manufacturing).