Module overview
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems move and deform when subjected to external forces. It first introduces the fundamental laws covering particle dynamics, before progressing to rigid body dynamics in both 3D and 2D situations. We then investigate stress and strain analysis and their graphical interpretation using Mohr’s circles. This enables students to fully understand what stresses and strains are present in a mechanical body and whether the material can withstand them, enabling them to design structures that are suitable for the real-world. We then progress to advanced topics including buckling and deformation of mechanical structures such as beams and cantilevers.
The module includes two coursework assignments covering fundamental principles and two laboratory experiments: stress-strain loading experiments and deformation of beams. Students will be supported by examples and tutorial questions with many real-life practical examples.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Relations between stress, strain and deformation
- The physical and engineering principles underlying the response of materials to electric and magnetic fields.
- Basics of beams and structural analysis.
- Properties of magnetic materials for electrical systems.
- Electromechanical properties of matter.
- Conduction and polarisation mechanisms in insulators.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand materials structure and properties
- Select suitable materials for engineering applications
- Calculate beam deflection and twisting of shafts.
- Analyse simple mechanical systems.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Relate structure and composition to material magnetic properties
- Determine the electrical properties of materials.
- Explain the design principles for simple mechanical devices
Syllabus
Dielectric materials
- Polarisation mechanisms at the microscopic and macroscopic levels, frequency dependence of polarisation, dipole moments, complex permittivity, Arrhenius equation, electronic polarisation,
- Clausius-Mosotti relationship, Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarisation, dipolar polarisation, Debye equations, Cole-Cole plot.
- Electrical conduction mechanisms, charge injection mechanisms, space charge limited current, hopping conduction process
Mechanics of Engineering structures
- Stress, strain and deformation, elastic and plastic deformation
- Tension, compression and torsion
- Electret materials, triboelectric series.
Piezo-electricity, ferro-electricity, pyro-electricity
Engineering Mechanics
Theory of Beams
- Shear forces, bending moment distributions and deformation
- Stress-strain relationship in pure bending
- Section modulus and flexural rigidity, properties of areas
- Deflection of beams due to bending moments, effects of support conditions, double-integration method and Macaulay's notations
- Beams made of dissimilar material
- Eccentric loading and Asymmetrical bending
- Statically Indeterminate Beams
Strain Energy
- Elastic strain energy, normal stress and shear, strain energy in bending
- Buckling Buckling instability, effects of support conditions.
Metallurgy and magnetic materials
- Importance of phase constitution and crystal orientation in conducting and magnetic materials. Conducting alloy systems and structure
- Soft magnetic materials, iron-silicon alloys, recrystallisation, grain orientated material and properties, iron-nickel alloys, importance of ordering and magnetic annealing, magnetic properties
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading, pre-recorded materials and tutorials.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities, tutorials and problem classes, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments and problem sheets.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding in technical laboratories.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 45 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 6 |
| Revision | 18 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 15 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Anderson J, Leaver K D, Rawlings R D & Alexander J M (1990). Materials Science. Chapman & Hall.
Spaldin N, (2003). Magnetic Materials Fundamentals and Device Applications. Cambridge University Press.
Blythe A (2005). Electrical Properties of Polymers. Cambridge University Press.
Blundell S (2009). Superconductivity: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
Solymar L & Walsh D (1993). Lectures on the Electrical Properties of Materials. OUP.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a combination of coursework and a final assessment in the form of a written examination.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 90% |
| Coursework | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External