MTE3543 - Microstructure to applications: the mechanics of materials - 2018

This unit explores the relationships between the microstructure, processing and performance of materials. Metal forming will be linked to the factors that control formability, with yield/failure criteria and constitutive behaviour being examined. Students will engage in finite element analysis of metal processing. Material behaviour from microstructure to applications will be considered for both traditional metal forming and more advanced shaping processes such as additive manufacturing of metals. 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.

At the successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Assess the relationships between microstructure, processing, properties and performance of materials in real life applications.
2. Describe the main metal shaping processes and formability evaluation methods.
3. Conduct and execute analyses of simple forming operations.
4. Analyse and predict the onset of yielding, metal flow, fracture/failure, maximum allowable defect sizes and fatigue performance.
5. Analyse simple engineering failures and formulate possible remedies.

Assignments and case study report: 30%

Laboratory reports: 20%

Final examination (2 hours): 50%

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

See also Unit timetable information

Materials science