NG2S243 - Engineering Materials 01 Apr 2025 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 5

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG2S243
Module Title: Engineering Materials
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Module Leader: David Dawkins
Module Team: Meinwen Taylor
First Intended Intake: MAY 2017 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100190 - mechanical engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 5
Valid From 01 Apr 2025
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

· To develop a knowledge and understanding of standard material testing methods & cause of material failures.·

To develop a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between structure, properties, processing and subsequently the use of engineering materials.

Content Summary

Structure of Engineering Materials & Corresponding Material Properties:
· Grasping the atomic and crystalline structure of materials and its influence on material properties.
· Exploring various material properties such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties.

Methods for Mechanical Testing of Materials:
· Conducting tests like tensile testing, hardness testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing to evaluate material behaviour under different loads.
· Imperfections in Solids and Dislocations:
o Understanding the theory of dislocations and their impact on mechanical properties.
o Investigating imperfections in solids, including point defects, line defects, and planar defects.

Strengthening Mechanisms and Annealing:
· Studying the methods used to strengthen engineering materials, such as solid solution strengthening, precipitation hardening, and grain refinement.
· Examining the process of annealing and its effects on material properties.

Diffusion Analysis for Case Hardening Application:
· Analysing diffusion phenomena and its application in case hardening of materials to enhance surface hardness.
Phase Diagrams and Alloys:
· Interpreting and analysing phase diagrams for ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
· Understanding the relationship between alloy composition, phase transformations, and material properties.
Heat Treatment of Alloys:
· Exploring the heat treatment processes for ferrous and non-ferrous alloys to modify their structure and properties.

Solution Heat Treatment and Precipitation Hardening:
· Investigating the principles and techniques of solution heat treatment and precipitation hardening in non-ferrous alloys.

Ceramics and Polymers:
· Understanding the structure, properties, and processing techniques of ceramics and polymers.

Failure of Materials and Failure Analysis:
· Examining different types of material failures, including the transition from ductile to brittle behaviour, corrosion, fatigue, and creep.
· Understanding the principles and methods of failure analysis to determine the root causes of material failures.


Materials in a Sustainable Environment:
· Exploring the role of materials in promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
· Investigating the concept of sustainable materials and their applications in various industries.

Composites and Manufacturing:
· Understanding composite materials and their composition, structure, and properties.
· Examining manufacturing processes used for composites, including lay-up, filament winding, and resin transfer moulding.

This module will facilitate the development of Personal Development Planning through the delivery of the key skills identified below in the module descriptor.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 38
Tutorial 8
Practical classes and workshops 2
Independent Study 152
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Able to use standard materials testing methods , and analyse the data & the cause of materials failure
LO2 Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the structure, properties, processing and subsequently the use of engineering materials

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 A series of activities and events that monitor continuous development on the subject. 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1

Reading List

W.D. Callister, Materials Science & Engineering - An Introduction, 7th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2006

R.A. Higgins, Materials for Engineers & Technicians, 4th Edition, Elsevier, 2006

M.F. Ashby & D.R.H. Jones, Engineering Materials, 3rd Edition, Elsevier, 2006.

J.A. Jacobs & T.F. Kilduff, Engineering Materials Technology - Structures, Processing, Properties & Selection, 5th Edition, Pearson & Prentice Hall, 2005.

D.R. Askeland, The Science & Engineering of Materials, 3rd Edition, Chapman & Hall, 1996