Overview of material properties, selection criteria, and failure analysis for industrial applications and design.
About this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the properties and behaviours of materials used in industrial settings. You will explore the fundamental relationships between atomic structure, processing methods, and the resulting performance of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical selection criteria and the analysis of material failures to help you make informed engineering decisions.
You will learn to interpret phase diagrams and understand how heat treatment affects microstructure. Through laboratory work and case studies, you will develop the skills necessary to choose the right material for a given application, balancing mechanical requirements with economic and environmental factors.
Who takes this course
While this course is an elective for the Power Engineering Technician program, its content is also valuable for students in the School of Energy & Applied Engineering who wish to broaden their understanding of industrial components and systems.
Credits: 3 · Hours: 45
Prerequisites
None
Learning outcomes
- Identify the atomic structures and bonding types that define common engineering materials.
- Evaluate mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and hardness for material selection.
- Interpret phase diagrams to predict microstructural changes under varying thermal conditions.
- Analyse the causes and mechanisms of material failure in industrial environments.
- Select appropriate materials for specific industrial applications based on performance and cost.
Evaluation
| Component | Weight (%) |
| Midterm examination | 30 |
| Laboratory reports | 25 |
| Case study project | 25 |
| Final examination | 20 |