ENG1051 - Materials for energy and sustainability - 2019

The key engineering challenge in the 21st century and beyond is the efficient use of energy and the Earth's resources. Energy supply drives our daily life, and there exist challenges in all of clean energy, renewable energy, energy transmission, energy storage, light materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing. In addition, the physical infrastructure on which our daily lives depend requires the sustainable use of the finite resources at our disposal. All of these issues are Materials Engineering issues.

In this unit, the fundamentals of the structure, design, and application of materials are covered. Attributes such as modulus, strength, toughness, chemical stability, electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties are explained in terms of atomic bonding, crystal defects and polycrystalline microstructure - and how this relates to end users.

A particular focus will be given to "processing-structure-property" relationships, which is at the core of Materials Engineering, with the subjects' concepts elaborated in the context of materials for the efficient use of energy and other resources. Examples will include aerospace materials and functional materials, amongst others.

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Identify the impact of materials science and engineering on issues relating to energy and sustainability.
2. Describe processing-structure-property relationships for a wide range of materials.
3. Identify how the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of materials are important in energy and sustainability applications.
4. Select an appropriate material for a given application based on appropriate selection tools and appreciation of the properties of a range of material classes.
5. Record experimental observations and undertake further research in order to prepare a report.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Continuous assessment: 50%

Examination (2 hours): 50%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in this unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

3 hours of lecture/practice classes per week, laboratory classes (not run each week) and 7 hours private study per week.

See also Unit timetable information