MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECH105P - Fundamentals of Materials
Code: MECH105P
Alt Codes: None
Title: Fundamentals of Materials
Level: 1
UCL Credits/ECTS: 0.5/7.5
Start: January
End: April
Taught by: Dr Adam Wojcik
Prerequisites:
None.
Course Aims:
To present students with the major theoretical concepts associated with materials
science, such as bonding, atomic and molecular structure, phase equilibria,
crystallography, and dislocation theory, so that a strong understanding of the
relationship between structure and properties in materials can be developed. To
define and understand the levels of structure inherent in materials, ranging from
atomic and crystalline, through to micro and macro-structure. To qualify and quantify
the principal parameters (such as strength and toughness) used to characterise the
mechanical behaviour of materials and to present and develop some of the principal
methods and analyses associated with the measurement of mechanical behaviour of
engineering materials when under load, both in the elastic and plastic regimes. To
develop an understanding of how properties can be optimised and changed
(particularly strength) and how engineers can best work at the microstructural level
to do this, particularly via manufacturing processes. The survey and introduce
principal manufacturing processes used for engineering materials within a context of
the structure-property-processing triad that is central to materials science and
engineering.
Method of Instruction:
Traditional lectures for the majority of the theoretical content covering materials
basics.
Structured laboratory sessions (3 off) which combine tutorial/lecture content with
hands-on observation and property characterization with brief write ups.
A range of coursework submissions which aim to promote self-study and bookwork
associated with the lab-sessions, only one of which is a conventional lab report.
As part of the MECH102P Mechanical Engineering Practical Skills I all first year
students will have had a hands-on workshop practice sessions to cover major
manufacturing processes used for principal engineering materials categories. This
module will build on this experience as well as that gained in the scenarios from
Design and Professional Skills ENGS102P.
Materials & Manufacturing case study based project (group based) to aimed at
understanding link between materials, manufacturing and design. Significant report
expected.
On-line e-resource to support manufacturing project outlining techniques in use for
common engineering materials.
In third term, exam timetable permitting, 2 hours revision lectures.
Assessment:
Exam (70%)
Case study (15%)
Lab report (15%) (3 x 5)
Lab coursework
Lab sheet
To pass this course, students must:
Obtain an overall pass mark of 40%
Content:
General: Basic definitions and fundamental properties important to the mechanical
engineer.
Bonding.
Solids.
Alloys: including phase diagrams, analysis of the Pb-Sn, relationship between
mechanical properties and the phase diagram.
Steel.
An introduction to Polymers including glass.
A basic introduction to crystallography.
Deformation: The concepts of slip, critical resolved shear stress and dislocation.
Increasing strength: Mechanisms of strengthening of materials and the role of
dislocation movement.
Review and summary of major manufacturing processes.
General Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
A basic understanding of the level of structure within materials right down to the
atomic level.
A sound knowledge and understanding of the structure-property relationships
present in materials.
An understanding of the categories and importance of mechanical properties.
A basic knowledge of manufacturing methods and their use in modern systems and
components and which methods are appropriate to which materials.