Undergraduate - UnitMTE4590 - Modelling of materials

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering
Organisational Unit	Department of Materials Engineering
Offered	Not offered in 2015
Coordinator(s)	Assoc Professor Christopher Hutchinson

Synopsis

An introduction to the computational/modelling approaches currently available in materials science and engineering is provided. The reasons for using modelling approaches are discussed and the different types of models available are outlined. For each of the length scales important in understanding material behaviour (nano-, micro-, meso- and macro-), the available modelling techniques are outlined and their principles, methods of implementation, advantages, disadvantages and perceived future developments are discussed. Examples of modelling approaches will be selected from all classes of materials. The general methodology used for constructing models is emphasised.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will:

understand the role (and potential role) of modelling and simulation in understanding material behaviour

appreciate the different types of modelling approaches that can be used (empirical, semi-empirical, physically-based, etc) and the advantages and disadvantages of each

understand the methodology used to construct and test models in materials science and engineering

understand the general principles, advantages and disadvantages underlying the most common modelling techniques used in materials science and engineering and the time and length scale at which they are applicable

for a given problem in materials science and engineering, understand exactly which types of modelling approaches could provide helpful insight to the problem, and experience formulating a model for the problem, simulating results and analysing the outcomes.

Assessment

Minor Assignment: 30%
Major Assignment: 40%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Workload requirements

3 hours lecture/tutorial classes, 2 hours practice class and 7 hours of private study per week

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Nick Birbilis

Prerequisites

MTE3547 or MSC3142

Prohibitions

MTE3590