Advanced Alloys and Polymers (MCEN90020)

Most industrial and day-to-day use objects are made of different kinds of materials. Alloys and polymers are two of the most common materials, and they will be discussed in this subject. As such, the subject is divided into two units.

In the first unit, the focus is on the understanding of microstructures and mechanical properties of selected engineering alloys. Where applicable, case studies from industrial applications and state of the art research will be incorporated to enhance learning. The mode of delivery in this unit will be a combination of conventional lectures and a deeper learning achieved at a higher level by studying cutting-edge research on advanced alloys. Understanding is gained by reading, digesting, and analysing an individually allocated research paper, leading to a professionally produced report. In addition to knowledge, they learn how research is conducted and reported.

In the second unit, the focus will be on the understanding of the underlying microstructures and macroscopic properties of polymers of relevance for their manufacturing as well as measuring techniques, followed by discussions on conventional and advanced manufacturing processes of plastics, rubbers, and polymer matrix composites. The teaching will be student-focused (active learning) and equity-based and the mode of delivery will be a combination of flipped classroom and conventional lectures. The high level of learning will be achieved through a group project, where students will be required to choose an engineered product of relevance to aerospace, space, defence, or medical industries, do research on the current manufacturing processes involved in fabricating the selected product, and discuss its pros and cons, write a professional report and present to the classroom and a mock up stakeholder team composed of teaching team and students. The assessment intends to mimic a set up within a manufacturing company, where a report to stakeholder needs to be delivered. This will, therefore, provide students with a medium to enhance their verbal & written communications and potentially other soft skills such as negotiating with a client or engaging with a stakeholder as well as engineering knowledge.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

Having completed this subject the student is expected to be able to -

• Gain knowledge and practice in advanced alloys and polymeric materials.
• Apply advanced engineering materials through applications and case studies;
• Acquire knowledge of emerging alloys as well as their potential applications.
• Learn and compare conventional and modern manufacturing processes and associated machinery of relevance to polymer-based engineering products
• Analyse potential root causes and create troubleshooting strategies for defects in manufactured products.
• Evaluating the effects of material and process variables.
• Critically appraise research/scientific publications.
• Articulate acquired knowledge and proposed solution to stakeholders both verbally and in written form.

Generic skills

5.  Ability to communicate effectively with the engineering team and with the community at large.