Overview

Indicative content includes:

Materials in products

• Have a general understanding of the uses and limitations of common engineering materials and the different materials processing methods used, including: metals, ceramics, polymers and composites.
• Understand the main interactions between process and material in design and process selection, for each of the main classes of material.
• Understand the factors which control the microstructure of different metal component forming (e.g. casting, pressing, forging etc.) and their consequences on final properties
• Know the main classes of ceramics, polymers and composites, and understand the processing and design considerations in selecting these for a given component
• Know the microstructural characteristics of wrought alloys, and the reasons for alloying and heat treatment to improve properties such as hardening and plasticity
• Understand the processes and issues in the manufacture of powder metallurgy and ceramic products
• Understand the importance of surface treatments and joining technologies for different materials, and know the main factors to consider in process selection
• Be able to apply their knowledge of materials processing, microstructure evolution, and the mechanisms of material degradation to analyse and predict failures and to improve product design
• Make appropriate choices of materials and manufacturing processes in a business context
• Relate materials choices to product and process design requirements

Material behaviour under various processes

• Understand plastic deformation processes
• Know the main classes of polymers and composites, and understand the processing considerations for a given manufactured product.
• Understand the importance of surface treatments and joining technologies, and know the main factors to consider in process selection
• Understand the processes and issues in the manufacture of powder metallurgy and ceramic products
• Apply knowledge of materials processing methods and of the mechanisms of materials degradation and failure to inform and improve product design
• Be aware of future trends in manufacturing and materials
• Be aware of common techniques for destructive and non-destructive testing and how to apply these

Chemistry

• Understand the different behaviours of solids, liquids and gases, and mixtures thereof, including phase transitions.
• Be familiar with a range of commonly used chemicals and their properties.
• Understand the fundamental principles of atomic structure and the periodic table
• Understand bonding and molecular orbital theory
• Understand the basic chemistry and chemical mechanisms involved in the broad range of materials
• Understand the relationship between atomic/molecular structure and chemical/physical properties.
• Understand the basics of IR and NMR spectroscopy.
• Understand reaction chemistry, the concepts of fuels and oxidisers, oxygen balance, energy, heat flow and energy release.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%.Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%.Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+.Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the changes in behaviour, appearance, etc. of materials when manipulated by engineering processes.

• Extend chemical and physics theory to understand the properties of materials.

• Relate the properties of various materials to their suitability for given engineering tasks.