A detailed understanding of the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of solid materials is fundamental to the design and construction of microelectromechanical systems. Through a series of lectures and laboratory classes, this module will provide an introduction to materials developing into the macro strength of materials. The study will then develop to components and structures with a particular focus on the mechanical properties of materials subject to static and dynamic forces.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 2 2024-25
Module aims
Subject content aims:
To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering mechanics.
To introduce the wide range of materials used in engineering and their fundamental, physical properties
To develop problem solving skills in engineering mechanics through the application of concepts in statics and dynamics to real world problems.
To introduce the standards and associated measurements that regulate the use of engineering materials.
To provide reinforcement of learning using laboratory investigations
Module learning outcomes
Subject content learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe the fundamental physical concepts that underpin static and dynamic mechanics, including vector vs scalar, force, energy, work, power, stress, strain and elasticity.
Describe a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites and understand their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical) properties.
Describe corrosion, wear and failure in common engineering materials.
Apply fundamentals of static mechanics to calculate the forces, stress and strain of a solid body under simple loading and to apply this to basic structural analysis.
Apply Newtonian mechanics to quantitatively analyse simple dynamic systems subject to an external force.
Describe the basics of oscillation and vibration in simple mechanical systems.
Create awareness of the standards and regulatory requirements that control the use of engineering materials.
Describe reasons for and best practice in professional laboratory working practices (safety, use of logbooks, experimental record keeping and measurement techniques)
Describe the fundamental physical concepts that underpin static and dynamic mechanics, including vector vs scalar, force, energy, work, power, stress, strain and elasticity.
Describe a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites and understand their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical) properties.
Explain corrosion, wear and failure in common engineering materials.
Apply fundamentals of static mechanics to calculate the forces, stress and strain of a solid body under simple loading and to apply this to basic structural analysis.
Apply Newtonian mechanics to quantitatively analyse simple dynamic systems subject to an external force.
Explain the basics of oscillation and vibration in simple mechanical systems.
Create awareness of the standards and regulatory requirements that control the use of engineering materials.
Describe reasons for and best practice in professional laboratory working practices (safety, use of logbooks, experimental record keeping and measurement techniques)
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
75
Essay/coursework
10
Essay/coursework
5
Essay/coursework
10
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
100
Module feedback
'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback.
The School of PET aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. The School will endeavour to return all exam feedback within the timescale set out in the University's Policy on Assessment Feedback Turnaround Time. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.
Indicative reading
Materials Science and Engineering by William Callister
Structural Mechanics by Cain and Hulse
Beer, Johnson, Mazurek, “Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics”, McGraw Hill (2018), ISBN:1260085007