ENG-SCI 192: Materials Selection in Mechanical Design

Course Description

The repertory of materials available to engineers today includes tens of thousands of different materials as well as naturally occurring ones. This course addresses why specific materials are selected for particular applications and the rational basis for their selection. It introduces principles and methodology for selecting materials based on component function, system application, and operating environments.

Pedagogical Approach

The class combines short lectures, readings, simulations, case studies, and a hands-on experimental project. Students will use Granta EduPack software for material selection and visualization, required for some problem sets.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will:

• Appreciate how engineers select materials for different applications
• Formulate design requirements for material selection
• Screen materials based on properties and function
• Identify appropriate indices for down-selection
• Consider effects of shape and cost in selection
• Understand composite materials and environmental/resource constraints

Resources

• Textbook: “Materials Selection in Mechanical Design”, 5th Edition, Michael F. Ashby
• Software: Granta EduPack 2020 (available via HUIT VDI), COMSOL multiphysics
• Videos, Readings, Podcasts: Supplementary materials shared during the course

Semester-Long Project

Students undertake a project utilizing Active Learning Labs resources, coordinated with staff and TFs, emphasizing continuous work throughout the semester.

Expectations and Grading

Participation, small group projects, and written reports constitute grading:

• Assignments: 65%
• Project: 25%
• Participation: 10%

Relation to Other Courses

ES 192 complements other Mechanical Engineering courses but has no prerequisites. It fits within the Mechanical Systems and Thermal tracks for the S.B. degree.

Preliminary Weekly Schedule