MATERIAL SCIENCE FOR

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

SPRING 2020-2021
COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Dr Moudar H. Zgoul
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering – University of Jordan

PhD 2002, University of Surrey, UK

TODAY’S LECTURE OUTLINE

GENERAL COURSE INSTRUCTIONS

COURSE POLICIES

EXPECTATIONS (OUTCOMES)

COURSE SYLLABUS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Learning Objectives
1. List six different property classifications of materials that 4. (a) List the three primary classifications of solid
determine their applicability. materials, and then cite the distinctive chemical
2. Cite the four components that are involved in the design, feature of each.
production, and utilization of materials, and briefly (b) Note the four types of advanced materials and, for
describe the interrelationships between these each, its distinctive feature(s).
components. 5. (a) Briefly define smart material/system.
3. Cite three criteria that are important in the materials (b) Briefly explain the concept of nanotechnology as it
selection process. applies to materials.
Introduction
• Virtually every segment of our • Scientists came to understand the
everyday lives is influenced to one relationships between the structural
degree or another by materials. elements of materials and their
properties. This knowledge, acquired
• Materials utilization was totally a over approximately the past 100
selection process that involved years, has empowered them to
deciding from a given, rather limited fashion, to a large degree, the
set of materials, the one best suited characteristics of materials.
for an application by virtue of its
characteristics. • Tens of thousands of different
materials have evolved with rather
specialized characteristics that meet
the needs of our modern and
complex society, including metals,
plastics, glasses, and fibres.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
• Materials science involves • A materials engineer is called upon to
investigating the relationships that create new products or systems using
exist between the structures and existing materials and/or to develop
properties of materials (i.e., why techniques for processing materials.
materials have their properties).
• Tens of thousands of different
• Materials engineering involves, on materials have evolved with rather
the basis of these structure–property specialized characteristics that meet
correlations, designing or engineering the needs of our modern and
the structure of a material to produce complex society, including metals,
a predetermined set of properties. plastics, glasses, and fibres.

• The role of a materials scientist is to

develop or synthesize new materials.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
The structure of a material usually • Nanostructure—deals with
relates to the arrangement of its internal aggregates of atoms that form
components. particles (nanoparticles) that have
nanoscale dimensions (less that
Structural elements may be classified on about 100 nm).
the basis of size and in this regard there
are several levels: • Microstructure—those structural
• Subatomic structure—involves elements that are subject to direct
electrons within the individual atoms, observation using some type of
their energies and interactions with microscope (structural features
the nuclei. having dimensions between 100 nm
and several millimetres).
• Atomic structure—relates to the
organization of atoms to yield
molecules or crystals.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
• Macrostructure—structural elements • Mechanical properties—relate
that may be viewed with the naked deformation to an applied load or force;
eye (with scale range between examples include elastic modulus
several millimetres and on the order (stiffness), strength, and resistance to
of a meter). fracture.

A property is a material trait in terms of • Electrical properties—the stimulus is an

the kind and magnitude of response to a applied electric fi eld; typical properties
specific imposed stimulus. Generally, include electrical conductivity and
definitions of properties are made dielectric constant.
independent of material shape and size.
• Thermal properties—are related to
Properties of solid materials may be changes in temperature or temperature
grouped into six different categories: gradients across a material; examples of
mechanical, electrical, thermal, thermal behaviour include thermal
magnetic, optical, and deteriorative. expansion and heat capacity.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING numerous
and very
• Magnetic properties—the responses single crystal small single
transparent crystals opaque
of a material to the application of a
magnetic field; common magnetic
properties include magnetic numerous
susceptibility and magnetization small single
translucent crystals and
void spaces
• Optical properties—the stimulus is
electromagnetic or light radiation; Three thin disk specimens of aluminium oxide
index of refraction and reflectivity are
“Differences in optical properties are a
representative optical properties. consequence of differences in structure of these
materials, which have resulted from the way the
• Deteriorative characteristics—relate materials were processed.”
to the chemical reactivity of
materials; for example, corrosion
resistance of metals.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
In addition to structure and properties, The materials paradigm describes the
two other important components are protocol for selecting and designing
involved in the science and engineering materials for specific and well defined
of materials—namely, processing and applications, and has had a profound
performance. influence on the field of materials.

“The central paradigm of materials science and engineering or the materials paradigm”

“. . . whenever a material is being created, developed, or produced, the properties or

phenomena the material exhibits are of central concern. Experience shows that the properties
and phenomena associated with a material are intimately related to its composition and
structure at all levels, including which atoms are present and how the atoms are arranged in
the material, and that this structure is the result of synthesis and processing.”
WHY STUDY MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING?

Why do engineers and scientists study materials? Simply,

because things engineers design are made of materials.
WHY STUDY MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING?
Homework01
Research /search and present a case study that illustrates the role that materials
scientists and engineers are called upon to assume in the area of materials performance:
analyse mechanical failures, determine their causes, and then propose appropriate
measures to guard against future incidents.

Examples can be such as the Challenger shuttle failure, The liberty ship failure, the
infamous liberty bell, etc.

INDIVIDUAL WORK
No more than 10 pages. Should be neat, font size 12, type: Arial
File name: IDNumber_HW0X.pdf
Use the assigned Cover page
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
• Solid materials have been conveniently grouped into three basic categories: metals,
ceramics, and polymers, a scheme based primarily on chemical makeup and atomic
structure.

• Most materials fall into one distinct grouping or another. In addition, there are the
composites that are engineered combinations of two or more different materials.

• Another category is advanced materials—those used in high-technology applications,

such as semiconductors, biomaterials, smart materials, and nanoengineered
materials.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
Metals
Metals are composed of one or more metallic elements (e.g., iron, aluminium, copper,
titanium, gold, nickel), and often also non-metallic elements (e.g., carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen) in relatively small amounts.

Atoms in metals and their alloys are arranged in a very orderly manner and are relatively
dense in comparison to the ceramics and polymers.

With regard to mechanical characteristics, these materials are relatively stiff and strong
yet are ductile (i.e., capable of large amounts of deformation without fracture), and are
resistant to fracture, which accounts for their widespread use in structural applications.

Metallic materials have large numbers of nonlocalized electrons—that is, these electrons
are not bound to particular atoms.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
Many properties of metals are directly attributable to these electrons. For example,
metals are extremely good conductors of electricity and heat, and are not transparent to
visible light; a polished metal surface has a lustrous appearance.

In addition, some of the metals (i.e., Fe, Co, and Ni) have desirable magnetic properties.

Ceramics
Ceramics are compounds between metallic and nonmetallic elements; they are most
frequently oxides, nitrides, and carbides. For example, common ceramic materials
include aluminium oxide (or alumina, Al2O3), silicon dioxide (or silica, SiO2), silicon
carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and, in addition, what some refer to as the traditional
ceramics—those composed of clay minerals (e.g., porcelain), as well as cement and
glass.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
With regard to mechanical behaviour, ceramic materials are relatively stiff and strong—
stiffnesses and strengths are comparable to those of the metals.

In addition, they are typically very hard. Historically, ceramics have exhibited extreme
brittleness (lack of ductility) and are highly susceptible to fracture.

However, newer ceramics are being engineered to have improved resistance to fracture;
these materials are used for cookware, cutlery, and even automobile engine parts.

Furthermore, ceramic materials are typically insulative to the passage of heat and
electricity (i.e., have low electrical conductivities) and are more resistant to high
temperatures and harsh environments than are metals and polymers.

With regard to optical characteristics, ceramics may be transparent, translucent, or

opaque, and some of the oxide ceramics (e.g., Fe3O4) exhibit magnetic behaviour.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
Polymers
Polymers include the familiar plastic and rubber materials. Many of them are organic
compounds that are chemically based on carbon, hydrogen, and other non-metallic
elements (i.e., O, N, and Si).

Furthermore, they have very large molecular structures, often chainlike in nature, that
often have a backbone of carbon atoms.

Some common and familiar polymers are polyethylene (PE), nylon, poly(vinyl chloride)
(PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and silicone rubber.

These materials typically have low densities, whereas their mechanical characteristics
are generally dissimilar to those of the metallic and ceramic materials—they are not as
stiff or strong as these other material types .
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
However, on the basis of their low densities, many times their stiffnesses and strengths
on a per-mass basis are comparable to those of the metals and ceramics.

In addition, many of the polymers are extremely ductile and pliable (i.e., plastic), which
means they are easily formed into complex shapes.

In general, they are relatively inert chemically and unreactive in a large number of
environments.

Furthermore, they have low electrical conductivities and are nonmagnetic.

One major drawback to the polymers is their tendency to soften and/or decompose at
modest temperatures, which, in some instances, limits their use.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
Composites
A composite is composed of two (or more) individual materials that come from the
categories previously discussed—metals, ceramics, and polymers.

The design goal of a composite is to achieve a combination of properties that is not

displayed by any single material and also to incorporate the best characteristics of each
of the component materials.

A large number of composite types are represented by different combinations of metals,

ceramics, and polymers.

Furthermore, some naturally occurring materials are composites—for example, wood

and bone.

However, most of those we consider in our discussions are synthetic (or human-made)
composites.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
One of the most common and familiar composites is fiberglass, in which small glass
fibres are embedded within a polymeric material (normally an epoxy or polyester).

The glass fibres are relatively strong and stiff (but also brittle), whereas the polymer is
more flexible. Thus, fiberglass is relatively stiff, strong, and flexible. In addition, it has a
low density.

Another technologically important material is the carbon fibre–reinforced polymer

(CFRP) composite—carbon fibres that are embedded within a polymer. These materials
are stiffer and stronger than glass fibre–reinforced materials but more expensive.

CFRP composites are used in some aircraft and aerospace applications, as well as in high-
tech sporting equipment (e.g., bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, skis/ snowboards) and
recently in automobile bumpers.

The new Boeing 787 fuselage is primarily made from such CFRP composites.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
The figure shown is a plot
of the values of one
property versus those of
another property for a
large number of different
types of materials.

Both axes are scaled

logarithmically and usually
span several (at least
three) orders of
magnitude, so as to
include the properties of
virtually all materials.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
It may be noted that data
values for a specific type (or
“family”) of materials (e.g.,
metals, ceramics, polymers)
cluster together and are
enclosed within an
envelope (or “bubble”)
delineated with a bold line;
hence, each of these
envelopes defines the
property range for its
material family.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
This is a simple,
comprehensive, and concise
display of the kind of
information that shows how
density and stiffness
correlate with one another
among the various kinds of
materials.

Charts such as this one may

be constructed for any two
material properties—for
example, thermal
conductivity versus
electrical conductivity.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
This type of charts is often
referred to as “materials
property charts,” “materials
selection charts,” “bubble
charts,” or “Ashby charts”
(after Michael F. Ashby, who
developed them).
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
This figure envelopes for
three important
engineering material
families are included.

These are as follows:

• Elastomers—polymeric
materials that display
rubbery-like behaviour
(high degrees of elastic
deformation).
• Natural materials—those
that occur in nature; for
example, wood, leather,
and cork.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
• Foams—typically
polymeric materials that
have high porosities
(contain a large volume
fraction of small pores),
which are often used for
cushions and packaging.

These bubble charts are

extremely useful tools in
engineering design and are
used extensively in the
materials selection process
in both academia and
industry.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
When considering materials for products, an engineer is often
confronted with competing objectives (e.g., light weight and
stiffness) and must be in a position to assess possible trade-
offs among any competing requirements.

Insights into the consequences of trade-off choices may be

gleaned by using appropriate bubble charts.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Materials utilized in high-technology (or high-tech) applications are sometimes termed
advanced materials.

By high technology, we mean a device or product that operates or functions using

relatively intricate and sophisticated principles, including electronic equipment (cell
phones, DVD players, etc.), computers, fiber-optic systems, high-energy density batteries,
energy-conversion systems, and aircraft.

These advanced materials are typically traditional materials whose properties have been
enhanced and also newly developed, high-performance materials.

Furthermore, they may be of all material types (e.g., metals, ceramics, polymers) and are
normally expensive.

Advanced materials include semiconductors, biomaterials, and what we may term

materials of the future (i.e., smart materials and nanoengineered materials).
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Semiconductors
Semiconductors have electrical properties that are intermediate between those of
electrical conductors (i.e., metals and metal alloys) and insulators (i.e., ceramics and
polymers).

The electrical characteristics of these materials are extremely sensitive to the presence of
minute concentrations of impurity atoms, for which the concentrations may be controlled
over very small spatial regions.

Semiconductors have made possible the advent of integrated circuitry that has totally
revolutionized the electronics and computer industries (not to mention our lives) over the
past few decades.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Biomaterials
The length and the quality of our lives are being extended and improved, in part, due
to advancements in the ability to replace diseased and injured body parts.

Replacement implants are constructed of biomaterials—nonviable (i.e., non-living)

materials that are implanted into the body, so that they function in a reliable, safe, and
physiologically satisfactory manner, while interacting with living tissue.

That is, biomaterials must be biocompatible—compatible with body tissues and fluids
with which they are in contact over acceptable time periods.

Biocompatible materials must neither elicit rejection or physiologically unacceptable

responses nor release toxic substances.

Consequently, some rather stringent constraints are imposed on materials in order for
them to be biocompatible.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Over the past several years the development of new and better biomaterials has
accelerated rapidly; today, this is one of the “hot” materials areas, with an abundance
of new, exciting, and high-salary job opportunities.

Example biomaterial applications include joint (e.g., hip, knee) and heart valve
replacements, vascular (blood vessel) grafts, fracture-fixation devices, dental restorations,
and generation of new organ tissues.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Smart Materials
The length and the quality of our lives are being extended and improved, in part, due
to advancements in the ability to replace diseased and injured body parts.

Smart (or intelligent) materials are a group of new and state-of-the-art materials now
being developed that will have a significant influence on many of our technologies.

The adjective smart implies that these materials are able to sense changes in their
environment and then respond to these changes in predetermined manners—traits that
are also found in living organisms. In addition, this smart concept is being extended to
rather sophisticated systems that consist of both smart and traditional materials.

Components of a smart material (or system) include some type of sensor (which detects
an input signal) and an actuator (which performs a responsive and adaptive function).
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Actuators may be called upon to change shape, position, natural frequency, or mechanical
characteristics in response to changes in temperature, electric fields,
and/or magnetic fields.

Four types of materials are commonly used for actuators: shape-memory alloys,
piezoelectric ceramics, magneto-strictive materials, and
electrorheological/magnetorheological fluids.

Shape-memory alloys are metals that, after having been deformed, revert to their original
shape when temperature is changed.

Piezoelectric ceramics expand and contract in response to an applied electric field (or
voltage); conversely, they also generate an electric field when their dimensions are
altered.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
The behaviour of magneto-strictive materials is analogous to that of the piezoelectrics,
except that they are responsive to magnetic fields.

Also, electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids are liquids that experience

dramatic changes in viscosity upon the application of electric and magnetic fields,
respectively.

Materials/devices employed as sensors include optical fibers, piezoelectric materials

(including some polymers), and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

For example, one type of smart system is used in helicopters to reduce aerodynamic
cockpit noise created by the rotating rotor blades. Piezoelectric sensors inserted into the
blades monitor blade stresses and deformations; feedback signals from these sensors are
fed into a computer-controlled adaptive device that generates noise-cancelling anti-noise.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
The behaviour of magneto-strictive materials is analogous to that of the piezoelectrics,
except that they are responsive to magnetic fields.

Also, electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids are liquids that experience

dramatic changes in viscosity upon the application of electric and magnetic fields,
respectively.

Materials/devices employed as sensors include optical fibers, piezoelectric materials

(including some polymers), and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

For example, one type of smart system is used in helicopters to reduce aerodynamic
cockpit noise created by the rotating rotor blades. Piezoelectric sensors inserted into the
blades monitor blade stresses and deformations; feedback signals from these sensors are
fed into a computer-controlled adaptive device that generates noise-cancelling anti-noise.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
Nanomaterials
One new material class that has fascinating properties and tremendous technological
promise is the nanomaterials, which may be any one of the four basic types—metals,
ceramics, polymers, or composites.

Unlike these other materials, they are not distinguished on the basis of their chemistry
but rather their size; the nano prefix denotes that the dimensions of these structural
entities are on the order of a nanometre (10−9 m)—as a rule, less than 100 nanometres
(nm; equivalent to the diameter of approximately 500 atoms).

Because of these unique and unusual properties, nanomaterials are finding niches in
electronic, biomedical, sporting, energy production, and other industrial applications.
Q&A