Module overview
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems move and deform when subjected to external forces. We then progress to advanced topics including buckling and deformation of mechanical structures such as beams and cantilevers.
The second part of the module covers materials response to applied electric and magnetic fields, e.g. polarisation and conduction in dielectrics, magnetisation and ferromagnetism. Materials for novel and emerging applications are considered as well, e.g. high-voltage cable insulations, electret materials, triboelectric series, piezo-electricity, ferro-electricity, pyroelectricity.
The module includes one laboratory analysis covering dielectric material characterisation and one laboratory experiments on 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:
- Electromechanical properties of matter.
- Conduction and polarisation mechanisms in insulators.
- Basics of beams and structural analysis.
- The physical and engineering principles underlying the response of materials to electric and magnetic fields.
- Properties of magnetic materials for electromechanical systems.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse simple mechanical systems.
- Select suitable materials for engineering applications
- Calculate beam deflection .
- Understand materials structure and properties
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
- Electret materials, triboelectric series.
- Piezo-electricity, ferro-electricity, pyro-electricity
Engineering Mechanics. Theory of Beams
- Shear forces, bending moment, 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, Macaulay's notations
- Beams made of dissimilar material
- Statically Indeterminate Beams
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 laboratories.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding in technical laboratories.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 9 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Revision | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 51 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 6 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Anderson J, Leaver K D, Rawlings R D & Alexander J M (1990). Materials Science. Chapman & Hall.
Bedford A., Liechti K. M. (2020). Mechanics of Materials. Springer.
Hibbeler R. C. (2017). Mechanics of materials. Pearson.
Solymar L & Walsh D (1993). Lectures on the Electrical Properties of Materials. OUP.
Spaldin N, (2003). Magnetic Materials Fundamentals and Device Applications. Cambridge University Press.
P. P. Benham; R. J. Crawford; C. G. Armstrong (1996). Mechanics of engineering materials. Longman/Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Blythe A (2005). Electrical Properties of Polymers. Cambridge University Press.
Beer F.P . (2016). Vector mechanics for engineers: Statics and dynamics. McGraw-Hill Education.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed by a combination of practical laboratories 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 |
|---|---|
| Laboratory | 10% |
| Written exam | 90% |
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