Unit 2172: Materials Engineering Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Materials Engineering

• Definition and scope of materials engineering
• Importance of materials in industry and everyday life
• Classification of materials:
  • Metals
  • Ceramics
  • Polymers
  • Composites
• Key material properties overview

2. Atomic Structure and Bonding in Materials

• Atomic structure basics:
  • Atoms, electrons, protons, neutrons
  • Electron configurations
• Types of chemical bonding:
  • Ionic bonding
  • Covalent bonding
  • Metallic bonding
  • Van der Waals forces
• Influence of atomic bonding on material properties

3. Mechanical Properties of Materials

• Definitions and significance:
  • Strength
  • Hardness
  • Toughness
  • Elasticity
  • Ductility
• Stress-strain behavior
• Elastic vs plastic deformation
• Factors affecting mechanical properties

4. Thermal Properties of Materials

• Thermal conductivity
• Specific heat capacity
• Thermal expansion and contraction
• Thermal shock resistance
• Applications requiring thermal management

5. Electrical Properties of Materials

• Electrical conductivity and resistivity
• Dielectric strength
• Semiconductor behavior and classification
• Applications in electronics and electrical engineering

6. Material Processing and Manufacturing

• Overview of processing methods:
  • Casting
  • Forging
  • Machining
  • Heat treatment
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Effects of processing on microstructure and properties
• Quality control in manufacturing

7. Material Selection and Design

• Criteria for material selection:
  • Mechanical properties
  • Thermal properties
  • Electrical properties
  • Cost considerations
  • Sustainability and environmental impact
• Tools and methods for material selection
• Case studies on material selection

8. Failure Analysis and Material Testing

• Types of material failure:
  • Fatigue
  • Creep
  • Corrosion
  • Fracture
• Destructive testing methods:
  • Tensile test
  • Hardness test
  • Impact test
• Non-destructive testing methods:
  • Ultrasonic testing
  • Radiographic testing
  • Magnetic particle inspection
• Role of failure analysis in improving materials

9. Nanomaterials and Advanced Materials

• Introduction to nanomaterials:
  • Definition and scale
  • Unique properties at the nanoscale
• Synthesis methods for nanomaterials
• Types of advanced materials:
  • Biomaterials
  • Smart materials
  • Composite materials
• Applications in technology and industry

10. Sustainable Materials and Green Engineering

• Concept of sustainability in materials engineering
• Recycling and upcycling processes
• Life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Reducing carbon footprint through materials choices
• Role of materials engineering in environmental conservation