2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CAPE3700 Structural Materials
20 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Dr R F Cochrane
Email: r.f.cochrane@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
Module replaces
PEME3745 Sructural MaterialsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The objectives of this module are to:- apply a quantitative treatment to the properties of materials, and their origin;
- provide the scientific basis for the relationship between materials properties and their microstructure;
- give students the necessary background to understand the design of suitable microstructures to give desired properties across the full range of materials classes;
- apply a knowledge gained of the processing-microstructure-property relationship to the design of alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites for structural applications;
- illustrate the state-of-the-art in these materials and show how research has, and continues, to inform the design of these materials.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students should:
- be able to apply a continuum approach to the elastic and plastic deformation of materials;
- understand the origins of elastic behaviour of solids and its relationship to structure;
- understand the principles of non-linear elasticity, apply the Boltzmann time-temperature-superposition principle in interpreting mechanical property data from polymeric materials;
- understand the origin and application of linear elastic fracture mechanics to brittle fracture and fatigue crack growth;
- understand the macroscopic aspects of the deformation and failure of materials by fatigue, creep and wear and perform simple calculations to predict the lifetime of a component subjected to fatigue or creep using data obtained from standard tests;
- understand the micromechanics of deformation and fracture in monolithic and composite materials, their relationship to structure, and the principles of microstructural engineering to control mechanical behaviour;
- understand the principles of physical metallurgy and their application in the historical development of metals and alloys to satisfy the needs of different industrial sectors;
- understand the process-microstructure-properties relationship in the design of ceramics, polymers and composite materials with an appropriate combination of properties to satisfy the needs of different industrial sectors;
- understand the traditional limitations on properties and how metallurgists and materials scientists may seek to circumvent these in the design of novel materials with an improved range of properties;
- be aware of current research developments in metallurgy and materials science in this sector and its potential impact on design and technology;
- survey and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature.
Syllabus
- Statics: stress analysis; stress-strain relationships in linear elastic solids; yield criteria; introduction to fracture mechanics.
- Linear elastic fracture mechanics; fracture of brittle materials; brittle-ductile transition; fracture of semi-brittle materials-crack-tip plasticity.
- Micromechanisms of plastic deformation and fracture.
- Non-linear elasticity: linear viscoelastic behaviour; mechanical models; dynamic mechanical measurements; rubber elasticity.
- Fatigue: characteristics of fatigue crack nucleation and growth; the Paris Law and lifetime predictions.
- Creep: characteristics of the creep curve, creep mechanics; rupture life.
- Physical metallurgy: microstructural design and applications of carbon and alloy steels, cast irons, the light alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys.
- Polymers: classes and types of polymers – thermosets, elastomers; commodity and technical plastics; structural transitions; structure-property relationships and applications of amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics; liquid crystal polymers.
- Structural ceramics: bonding, flaws and strength; Weibull statistical quantification of ceramic reliability; brittleness, fracture toughness and toughening mechanisms, thermal shock; structure-property relationships in alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride and silicon carbide.
- General theory of composites and rules of mixtures; continuous and discontinuous reinforcement; mechanical behaviour of polymer, ceramic and metal matrix composites and its relationship to microstructure; natural composites and hybrid materials.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 30 | 1.00 | 30.00 |
| Practical | 5 | 2.00 | 10.00 |
| Tutorial | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Independent on-line blended learning which consolidates and extends the lecture material and allows students to assess their progress via integrated quizzesRevision of lecture material and supportive reading (65 hours)
Completion of practical reports (30 hours)
Revision for final examination (25 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Performance in formative tutorial classes and in formative quizzes integrated into on-line learning resources.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical Report | 1000 word report | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 1000 word report | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 1000 word report | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 1000 word report | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | 1000 word report | 10.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
It is not feasible to repeat practical classes in August so students who need to re-sit will be provided with an alternative assignment for each practical class which tests the same learning outcomes.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/03/2015
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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