Engineering Materials and Mechanics (ENGR20003)

The subject aims to provide knowledge about engineered materials, their properties, manufacturing processes and key issues associated with their applications in engineering. The subject also introduces the relationships between the structure of a material and its properties.
This subject provides an introduction to modelling the stresses and deformations that occur when axial, torsional and flexural loads are applied to materials in static equilibrium.
This subject must be taken early in the progression of training to be an engineer as it is a prerequisite of structural design subjects, and contributes valuable insights into the role of materials in other disciplines of engineering such as geotechnical engineering.

Please view this video for further information: Engineering Materials and Mechanics

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

• ILO 1: Describe and interpret the phenomena of strength, deformation, ductility, failure mechanisms, fast fracture and fatigue as applied generically to all materials and be able to identify the key engineering implications with these phenomena;
• ILO 2: Describe the key features in the manufacturing/production, quality control, engineering applications, performance and safety issues associated with the commonly used engineering materials including steel, concrete, masonry, timber, polymers and composites, and be able to identify their engineering implications;
• ILO 3: Apply the concepts of stress-strain compatibility and complementary shear stresses in achieving composite actions, and identify realistic failure mechanisms in structures and make effective use of strength and ductility in engineering applications;
• ILO 4: Identify key considerations including those of costs, practicality, sustainability and the environment, health and safety in making engineering decisions on the choice and application of materials;
• ILO 5: Describe atomic and crystalline structures, molecular composition, and its influence on the physical properties of materials;
• ILO 6: Formulate problems in statics by choosing suitable system boundaries and identifying relevant forces and coordinate systems;
• ILO 7: Apply the equilibrium of systems of forces in two dimensions to solve simple structural elements such as beams and trusses.

Generic skills

• Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Understanding of social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development.