MEng Materials Science and Engineering / Course details

Year of entry: 2023

Course unit details:
Advanced Metals Processing

Course unit fact file
Unit code MATS43102
Credit rating 15
Unit level Level 7
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Department of Materials
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The unit aims to apply and extend metallurgical knowledge through exploring the science behind advanced processing technologies and showing how they can be used to obtain novel microstructures and unique properties in metallic alloys. 

Aims

The unit aims to:

  1. Provide an overview of advanced metal processing technologies used to produce components in high value added products (e.g. aerospace), including their applications, and advantages and disadvantages: with a focus on near-net-shape.
     
  2. Explore the metallurgical science behind advanced processing - the effect of the process conditions on a materials’ microstructure and the resultant component performance.
     
  3. Discuss how specialised metal processing can be used to obtain novel microstructures and unique properties in metallic alloys.

 

Learning outcomes

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Intellectual skills
  • Practical skills
  • Transferable skills and personal qualities

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, group tutorials (problem sessions), recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard).

 

 

Knowledge and understanding

• Recognize the use of advanced metal processing technologies and their applications
 
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different processing technologies
 
• Explain the metallurgical science behind advanced processing - the effect of the process conditions on microstructure and the resultant component performance
 

 

Intellectual skills

• Discuss the industrial drivers for processing difficult to shape advanced materials.
 
• Have a broad knowledge of the different technologies available for advanced processing semi-finished products and their advantages, disadvantages and applications.
 
• Understand the general metallurgical principles involved in each process to make them work and the mechanisms involved.
 
• Understand the issues, problems, and limitations of each process.
 
• Understand how the processes interact with the materials to change their microstructure and how this can be exploited to optimise the process and improve component performance,
 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles exploited in advanced processing of industrial alloys to overcome the challenges the materials present, design microstructures and develop improved properties.
 
• Have awareness of the applications of advanced processing technologies and the socio-economic benefits.
 

Practical skills

• Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics.
 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of changing the chemistry and microstructure/architecture of a material on its properties.
 
• Apply simple models to predict processing conditions and material behaviours.
 

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Perform simple calculations of to estimate processing variables
 
• Convert word problems into equations and numerical answers.
 
• Develop techniques for estimating the results from calculations.
 
• Work effectively in a group to solve problems.
 

 

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 70%
Written assignment (inc essay) 30%

Feedback methods

Feedback given (Written and verbal)

Recommended reading

  • “Phase transformations in Metals and Alloys”, D.A. Porter, K.E. Easterling, M. Sherif, Pub. Chapman and Hall, 2009.
  • “Mechanical Metallurgy”, G.E. Dieter, McGraw-Hill
  • “Additive Manufacturing Technologies”, Gibson, Rosen and Stucker ; Pub. Springer
  • “Superplasticity in Metals and Ceramics”, T. G. Nieh, J. Wadsworth, O. D. Sherby, Cambridge University Press.
  • “Powder Metallurgy Technology” , G. S. Upadhyaya , Universities Press, 2011

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 30
Practical classes & workshops 3
Tutorials 3
Independent study hours
Independent study 114

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Wajira Mirihanage Unit coordinator

Return to course details