MTE3543 - Microstructure to applications: the mechanics of materials

Leader: G H Edward

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit explores the relationships between the microstructure and deformation of materials. Metal forming will be linked to the factors that control formability, with yield criteria and constitutive behaviour being examined. Students will engage in finite element analysis of metal processing. Microstructural features governing fatigue, fracture and failure of structures will be explored and the extent to which we can predict failure outlined, including design against failure, critical crack size, low and high cycle fatigue. Microstructural toughening, effects of welds and thermal stability of materials will be addressed in terms of mitigation or minimization of structural defects.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be better able to:

1. Explain the relation between plasticity and metal forming (formulate a plasticity problem in respect to a metal forming operation)
2. Describe the main metal shaping processes
3. Conduct a finite element analysis of a simple forming operation
4. Suggest a formability test in relation to a given metal shaping process
5. Calculate a yield locus and describe its use
6. Mathematically describe a fatigue life curve and relate this to microstructures
7. Calculate allowable crack sizes, and on this basis evaluate materials and inspection methods for a given engineering application
8. Describe microstructural reasons for failures and methods used to prevent those failures
9. Analyse simple engineering failures and evaluate possible remedies.

Assessment

Final examination (3 hours):40%
Assignments and case study report: 40%
Laboratory reports: 20%

Contact hours

Three 1 hour lectures/tutorials per week and seven hours of private study per week. 20 hours of laboratory classes during the semester

Prerequisites

ENG1050

Prohibitions

MTE3506, MTE4561