Materials Engineering Overview

Importance of Materials

• Materials have been fundamental in human history, starting with the Stone Age and progressing through the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
• The use of metal, particularly iron, revolutionized construction and engineering due to its strength and durability.

Continued Development of Materials

• The development of new materials continues to be driven by advancements in science and technology.

Main Point of the Class

• The course focuses on understanding the relationship between five key components of materials: processing, structure, properties, performance, and standards.
• Most civil and environmental engineering courses primarily focus on the link between properties and performance.
• This course emphasizes a holistic understanding of all five elements.

Standards

• Standards play a vital role in materials engineering. They provide standardized procedures for testing and interpreting results.
• Important standard organizations include ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and international organizations.
• Standards can be categorized into Standards, Standard Practices, and Specifications.
• They are essential for ensuring consistent quality and reliability in materials.

Example Standards

• Standards are developed through the collaborative work of volunteer committees composed of experts in their respective fields.

Importance of Materials

• The use of materials is fundamental to human history
• The stone age marked the first use of stone for tools
• Metal was first used in the bronze age
• The iron age saw the widespread use of iron tools and weapons
• Iron is a key structural material used in contemporary engineering

Continued Development of Materials

• The development of new materials continues today
• The application of materials is a vital part of modern engineering

Main Point of the Class

• The course will focus on the following key components:
  • Processing: how materials are made
  • Structure: the internal arrangement of atoms in a material
  • Properties: the characteristics of a material such as strength or conductivity
  • Performance: how a material behaves under different conditions
• The relationship between these components will be explored

Standards

• Standards are important for ensuring consistency and quality
• ASTM and other international organizations provide standards that describe how to run tests and interpret results.
• Some standards focus on specific industries or applications
• Standards help manufacturers and engineers to communicate effectively

Example Standards

• Standards are developed by volunteer committees composed of experts