MAE 3270 - Mechanics of Engineering Materials

Fall, Summer. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: ENGRD 2020, MATH 2940, CS 1112 or CS 1110. Offered in summer by the Engineering Cooperative Program.

A. Zehnder.

Mechanics of deformable bodies and a reinforcement of the concept of “simple engineering elements” for mechanical analysis associated with design. There is an introduction to the broad range of properties and behaviors of engineering materials as they relate to mechanical performance. Emphasis is placed on general states of stress and strain, on elasticity and combined loading effects. Failure criteria including yielding, fracture and fatigue are developed. A general introduction to the function/constraints/objectives approach to material selection associated with mechanical design is provided with candidate material systems coming from metals, polymers, ceramics and/or composites. A general overview of material processing will be presented within this context of material selection.

Outcome 1: Students will understand the most basic analytical tools for mechanical analysis and be able to solve simple mechanics problems for stress, strain, and displacement.

Outcome 2: Know and understand fundamental deformation and failure of materials associated with mechanical design. Equipped with skills associated with outcome 1, students should be able to predict failure by excessive stress (yielding and fracture), stress in the presence of cracks and flaws (using fracture mechanics) and fatigue.

Outcome 3: Have a basic understanding of the structure, processing, and properties of the basic classes of engineering materials: metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.

Outcome 4: Understand and utilize a properties/function-based method to systematically choose materials for mechanical designs.