To develop an understanding of the important factors in materials selection and process selection for engineering components' design and manufacture. To develop skills in communication, investigative research, experimental techniques, and team-working , including presentation skills associated with technical posters and wikis.

(LO1) Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the inter-relationships that exist between materials selection, processing, microstructure and properties. This includes an appreciation that materials design requires a compromise between many factors including geometric design, material and process selection, and costs.

(LO2) Develop industry and research experimental and investigatory skills required to "reverse engineer" engineering components

(S1) Improve and apply group-work skills including communication and project planning

(S2) Develop communication skills using Wikis and posters for presentaing technical information.

The module is a two-stage mini-project in which you work in a group to reverse-engineer an industrially-manufactured artefact (or a number of related engineering artefacts), each made up of a number of component parts. The artefact(s) changes each year.

Each group is responsible for planning their experimental work and background research, with the aim of analysing experimental data (evidence) obtained using metallography, optical microscopy, SEM, and EDXS etc) and background research (Standards, manufacturer’s documents, websites, history, market information etc) to relate the artefact components’ microstructure and properties to its design, operation and materials- and process-selection for manufacture. Lectures will be provided that cover the basics of microstructural analysis techniques like optical microscopes, mechanical testers and the scanning electron microscope as appropriate and data analysis techniques.

Initial findings are presented in a group poster (50% of the module mark). Usually this will involve presenting results from only a limited set of components and/or a limited analysis of an artefact. Final findings are presented in a group Wiki (50% of the module mark), with results presented from an expanded range of related artefacts and/or more in-depth analysis. Peer moderation within groups allows credit for individual contributions.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Introducing the activities, and guidance during the projects
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Introduction to activities, and seminars

Teaching Method 2 – Data analysis
Description: Introduction to microstructure analysis of materials
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Data analysis tutorial time

Teaching Method 3 - Group-work
Description: Groups will typically meet outside of the scheduled teaching periods for training or self-directed study
Attendance Recorded: No