(i) Generic topics in mechanical properties of materials
Introduction to topics to be covered and some definitions. [1L]
Stress-strain behaviour: Stress and strain – definitions. Elastic, plastic and visco-elastic behaviour. Stress/strain behaviour for metals, ceramics, elastomers and plastics. Property data (modulus, yield strength, proof strength, tensile strength, ductility, toughness). Structure-property relationships. [2L]
Materials selection in simple mechanical design: Specific stiffness and specific strength. Performance indices. Case studies – materials selection for offshore structures, aerospace structures, bicycles and springs. [3L]
Overview of fracture and durability (creep, fatigue) of materials. Definition of terms. Fracture toughness as a material property. S-N data in fatigue, strain-time response under creep conditions. [2L]
Fracture mechanics: Behaviour of materials containing stress concentrations and cracks. Stress intensity factor and fracture toughness. Energy release rate/toughness. [1L]
Fatigue: Predicting life of uncracked components (Basquin and Miner relationships). Modelling fatigue crack growth –
Paris
relation and its application. [1L]
Visco-elasticity and Creep: Maxwell and Voigt models for polymers. Dependence of creep rate for metals on stress and temperature. Microstructural aspects of creep failure. [1L]
Oxidation: Linear and parabolic rate laws. Mechanisms of oxidation (diffusion). Effect of temperature. [1L]
Wet corrosion: Simple chemical cells. Standard electrode potential and galvanic series. Differential aeration. Controlling corrosion in engineering structures. [1L]
(ii) Aspects of particular classes of materials
(a) Metals – Overview of properties and processing [4L]
(b) Polymers – principal classes, glass transition temperature, typical properties, processing and cost [2L]
(c) Ceramics – engineering and traditional ceramics (including concrete); processing and properties (strength, “static fatigue”, thermal shock [1L]
(d) Composites [1L]
(e) Timber [1L]
(f) Concrete [1L]
Revision [2L]
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