Course coordinator
Professor Mingxing Zhang
Please email Professor Zhang to arrange a consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Phase diagrams, phase transformations, dislocations, strengthening mechanisms, metallography, corrosion, recycling, future directions
Materials* are evolving today faster than at any other time in history. Industrial nations regard materials technology as an underpinning technology, one that can stimulate innovation in all branches of engineering, making possible new designs for structures, appliances, etc.ﾠThus, the engineer must be more aware of materials and their properties than ever before.
The engineer must be able to compare with precision the properties of materials competing for a given application. To do this, an understanding of the basic properties of materials, how the processing controls the properties, how materials are formed, joined, finished, and how to improve the properties of a given material is required.
This course aims at providing engineering students with the basic tools to understand material properties and factors that control these properties, with an emphasis on metallic materials. The physics behind properties such as elastic modulus and yield stress, as well as the thermodynamics principles governing phase transformations, will be discussed from first principles, starting from the structure of metals, followed by defects in metals, plastic deformation, phase diagrams and diffusion, heat treatment of steels, alloy steels, recovery and recrystallisation, precipitations and mechanical properties of metals. The main aim is to develop a unified view of the main structural materials: metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. However, in order to stay in touch with actual engineering materials, many case studies will be discussed in class or included in the tutorials.
*Adapted from Ashby and Jones, Engineering Materials 2, Pergamon, 1982.
Course requirements
Assumed background
An understanding of introductory concepts in materials to the level provided by the first year engineering course is expected.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MECH3305
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Qiyang Tan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course provides an understanding of the principles governing the mechanical properties of engineering materials, which includes crystal structure, defects, dislocations andﾠphase transformations in metals. Heat treatment of steels, alloy steels, precipitation process in alloys and mechanical properties of metals will also beﾠcovered in the course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Electronic structure of materials - Comprehend the atomic interaction (atomic bonding) and classes of materials.
LO2.
Electronic structure of materials - Estimate, from first principles, the elastic modulus of different materials.
LO3.
Crystal structure of metals - Demonstrate comprehension of the basic structures of crystals and their defects, including dislocations, point defects and interfaces.
LO4.
Crystal structure of metals - Understand the effects of the defects on mechanical properties.
LO5.
Crystal structure of metals - Know the basic principle of atomic diffusions in metals.
LO6.
Mechanical behaviour of materials - Understand the various methods of strengthening (e.g. what makes some Al alloys stronger and harder than pure Al metal), and how steels can be strengthened.
LO7.
Mechanical behaviour of materials - Understand the difference of various mechanical properties of metals, such as Young's modulus, yield strength, tensile strength, toughness and ductility.
LO8.
Phase diagrams, phase transformations and plastic - Interpret binary phase diagrams.
LO9.
Phase diagrams, phase transformations and plastic - Solve elementary problems on diffusive and diffusionless phase transformations applied to aluminum alloys and steels.
LO10.
Phase diagrams, phase transformations and plastic - Know the principle and process of heat treatment of metals to improve their mechanical properties.
LO11.
Phase diagrams, phase transformations and plastic - Understand the mechanisms of plastic deformation and recrystallisation of metals.
LO12.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Understand the basic principle and process of heat treatment of steels and non-ferrous alloys.
LO13.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Understand the effects of alloy elements on properties and hardenability of steels.
LO14.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Understand typical heat treatment processes and the applications of different types of steels.
LO15.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Comprehend the relationship between precipitation and the mechanical properties of alloys.
LO16.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Understand the basic knowledge of high entropy alloys, including their design principles and properties.
LO17.
Heat treatment of metals, and entropy alloy - Contribute to team work in practical groups through data analysis and materials characterization
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
In class quiz
|
20% |
24/07/2024 - 9/10/2024
During tutorial time. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Age hardening behaviours of AZ91 alloy
|
15% |
13/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Heat treatment of steels
|
15% |
18/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In class quiz
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/07/2024 - 9/10/2024
During tutorial time.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed.
Task description
For each 2-hour lecture, there is a corresponding 2-hour tutorial session each week from weeks 1 to 11. Tutorial questions will be provided at least one week before the tutorial. In the first hour of the tutorial, students are to work on the tutorial questions and the lecturer and members of the teaching team are available to answer question in the class. In the second hour of the tutorial, the first 30 minutes is allocated to the lecturer/memebers of the teaching team working together with students to answer all the tutorial questions. Then, in the last 20 minutes of the tutorial, an in class quiz will be done each week for 10 weeks. Each quiz is worth 2 marks in the total final marks.
Each quiz contains one short answer question that is one of the tutorial questions in the same week and two multiple-choice questions. The short answer question is worth 1 mark in the total final marks, and each multiple-choice question is worth 0.5 mark in the total final marks. Each multiple-choice question has four possible answers, in which only one is correct. Thus, only one answer can be selected.
Submission guidelines
All answer sheets are submitted in class at end of the tutorial each week.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferred quizzes must be completed within one business day of the final date on the supporting documentation.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In class quizzes are time limited and cannot be submitted late.
Age hardening behaviours of AZ91 alloy
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
13/09/2024 4:00 pm
Task description
Age Hardening behaviours of the AZ91 Mg alloy.
The practical will be done in a group; however, an individual report is required.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Heat treatment of steels
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
18/10/2024 4:00 pm
Task description
To understand the hardenability of steels and effect of heat treatment process on mechanical properties of steels.
The practical will be done in a group; however, an individual report is required.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted online through TurnItIn on the Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Hurdle requirements
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining ﾠat least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fail: Overall grade |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fail: Overall grade 30.0 to 44.99%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45-49.99% or less that 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Pass: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Credit: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Distinction: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75- 84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: High Distinction: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85 - 100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Additional course grading information
ﾠGrading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
ﾠ
Identity verified assessment.
Identity verified assessment (IVA)ﾠwill be through obtainingﾠat least 40%ﾠof the available marksﾠin the final exam.
A minimumﾠachievement of 40% in the End of Semester Examﾠis required to receive a passing grade for the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Students will not be given exemptions, or partial credit from any previous attempt of this course, for any piece of assessment. You must complete all of the learning activities and assessment items each time you take a course.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
More than ﾠhalf the lectures follow the prescribed textbook (Abbaschian) quite closely. Most of the answersﾠ to the tutorial questions can be found in the book.ﾠ A large share of the tutorial exercises is from Schaffer's book.
For the rest of the keynote lectures,ﾠ otherﾠ handouts in PDF file will be uploaded into the Blackboard before the lectures.
I will also provide information for a better book to read related to individual lectures.
Students can access the required UQ Laboratory Induction information on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
L1 Lecture 1 - Structure of Metals |
Tutorial |
T1 Tutorial 1 - Structure of Metals |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
L2 Lecture 2 - Mechanical properties of metals |
Tutorial |
T2 Tutorial 2 - Mechanical properties of metals |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
L3 Lecture 3 - Dislocations (Part I) |
Tutorial |
T3 Tutorial 3 - Dislocations (Part I) |
|
Practical |
P1 - Aging hardening of the AZ91 alloy Solution treatment and aging of the AZ91 alloy: All groups attend this practical at practical time in Week 3. |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
L4 Lecture 4 - Dislocations (Part II) |
Practical |
P1 - Aging hardening of the AZ91 alloy Hardness measurement, Microstructural analysis, Tensile testing: Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 attend the practical within this week. |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
T4 Tutorial 4 - Dislocations (Part II) |
Lecture |
L5 Lecture 5 - Other defects & diffusion |
|
Practical |
P1 - Aging hardening of the AZ91 alloy Hardness measurement, Microstructural analysis, Tensile testing: Groups 5, 6, 1, 2 attend the practical in this week. |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
T5 Tutorial 5 - Other defects & diffusion |
Lecture |
L6 Lecture 6 - Phase diagram and thermodynamics |
|
Practical |
P1 - Aging hardening of the AZ91 alloy Hardness measurement, Microstructural analysis, Tensile testing: Groups 5, 6, 3, 4 attend the practical in this week. |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Tutorial |
T6 Tutorial 6 - Phase diagram and thermodynamics |
Lecture |
L7 Lecture 7 - Solidification and phase transformations in solids |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
T7 Tutorial 7 - Solidification and transformations in solids |
Lecture |
L8 Lecture 8 - TTT and CCT diagrams, heat treatment of steels |
|
Practical |
P2 - Heat treatment of steels Heat treatment of both the plain carbon steel and alloy steel: All groups attend |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Tutorial |
T8 Tutorial 8 - TTT and CCT diagrams, heat treatment of steels |
Lecture |
L9 Lecture 9 - Alloy steels |
|
Practical |
P2 - Heat treatment of steels Hardness test and microstructure analysis: Groups 1 & 2 attend |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Tutorial |
T9 Tutorial 9 - Alloy steels |
Lecture |
L10 Lecture 10 - Plastic deformation and recrystallization |
|
Practical |
P2 - Heat treatment of steels Hardness test and microstructure analysis - Groups 3 & 4 attend |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Tutorial |
T10 Tutorial 10 - Plastic deformation and recrystallization |
Lecture |
L11 Lecture 11 - Precipitation hardening and heat treatment of non-ferrous alloys |
|
Practical |
P2 - Heat treatment of steels Hardness test and microstructure analysis - Groups 5 & 6 attend |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Tutorial |
T11 Tutorial 11 - Precipitation hardening and heat treatment of non-ferrous alloys |
Lecture |
L12 Lecture 12 - Other strengthening mechanisms and high entropy alloys |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Tutorial |
T12 Tutorial 12 - Other hardening mechanisms and high entropy alloys |
Lecture |
L13 Lecture 13 - Revision |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.