This is an introduction to the chemical and physical principles underlying the nature and behaviour of engineering materials. After an elementary examination of the common units of which all materials consist, the course discusses how different arrangements of these units bring forth specific types of materials with unique properties (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites). The main aim of the course is to stimulate the student’s interest in this field and establish an understanding of the basic principles that will be explore more extensively in numerous subsequent courses. Topics include: the structure of materials, imperfections in solids, diffusion, properties and selection, dislocations and strengthening mechanisms, failure of materials, solidification and phase diagrams.

60 Hours