6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4015677ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
As basic material types metals, ceramic materials and polymers are discussed. The starting point is the atomic built-up of the elements, with the electron configuration as important characteristic from which different types of bonding can result between atoms of one or more elements to form solid materials.
The possible atomic arrangement and order, and also the molecular specifically for the polymers, result in either amorphous (for ceramics and polymers), crystalline (for metals and ceramics) or semi-crystalline (for polymers) solids.
Based on the knowledge and understandings of the structural characteristics of the various material types, the resulting properties are explained. On the one hand there are the mechanical properties, determined by the elastic and the plastic deformation behavior. The resulting values for the mechanical properties are experimentally measured and discussed for various materials during the problem driven practical sessions. On the other hand some important functional properties are dealt with: corrosion/degradation and mechanical failure in the context of material’s durability, and further the optical, the electrical, the thermal and the magnetic properties. In the practical sessions some functional properties are created and measured on metals.
The concept of composites, combining various material types and shapes for complementary properties, is discussed.
The slides (in Dutch) of the theoretical teaching sessions are based on the following textbook:
W.D.Callister, Jr. “Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering: An integrated Approach”, 2nd edition, J.Wiley&Sons Inc, 2005.
In this textbook there is also a CD-rom on which some material concepts are illustrated and animated in 3D.
Additional study material:
The e-learning website www.alumatter.info is very interesting to experience certain material and properties’ concepts through interactive illustrations and animations.
The aim of this course is to gain knowledge and understanding in the various types of material and properties. This course forms an essential basis for engineering students, because independent of the employment sector that they choose for, they will need to apply their knowledge and understanding in materials.
Understanding and being able to explain the relationship between the structure of materials and the properties – i.e. the mechanical and some functional properties – are crucial competencies for the student to achieve.
The theoretical teaching sessions are complemented with problem driven practical sessions where the theoretical knowledge and understandings are tested and applied. In a team the students need to solve a project problem and present the findings to their peers. The projects involve working as a team for literature research, experimental lab work, a written report and an oral presentation, skills that are sharpened by this experience.
Aside from the group work, the students can also manifest themselves individually; this is explicitly stimulated during the questions and answers rounds following the presentations.
The transfer of knowledge and understanding between peers is stimulated by formulating different problems and focus points per team.
In the written report the studied application, the followed method and the results must be scrutinized and possible alternative, better and/or more creative solutions can be proposed.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Oral examination with preprepration with the course.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Business Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Business Engineering: Business and Technology: Standaard traject