Industrial Processing of Materials (MATS64541)
Unit aims / introduction
- To learn the basic elements of the mechanics of deformation processing, and the relationship between mechanical deformation and microstructure in plastic deformation processing.
- To understand the principles governing microstructure formation during casting and other liquid metal solidification processes and their relationship to the solidification conditions and alloy composition.
- To understand how ceramic materials are produced via the powder processing route.
Learning Outcomes
Unit dates (to be confirmed) - online distance-learning
- February 2010 – May 2010
For information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team
Unit tutors
- Unit leader – Professor Pete Bate
- Contributors – Professor Ping Xiao; Professor Phil Prangnell
Unit e-Tutor – Your e-Tutor, assigned when you start the unit, will act as a group mentor throughout the unit and will guide you through all the learning material.
Study time and method
This unit is delivered as an online distance-learning unit and a campus-based unit. This page concentrates on the online distance-learning version, if you would like information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.
Online distance-learning (part-time)
This unit is delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE) system called Blackboard.
Each unit contains 12 study weeks over a 14-week period. Each study week normally comprises five study sessions, corresponding to five working days.
This unit requires approximately 12.5 study hours each week of the unit (excluding break weeks). You are able to study at a time that suits you, but some group discussions may be scheduled by your e-Tutor.
For more information on online distance-learning, please click here
Unit structure - online distance-learning
(For information on the campus-based version of this unit, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team)
- Week 1 – Solidification and liquid phase processing 1
- Week 2 – Solidification and liquid phase processing 2
- Week 3 – Solidification and liquid phase processing 3
- Week 4 – Solidification and liquid phase processing 4
- Break – Reflective and catch up week
- Week 5 – Deformation Processing of Metals 1
- Week 6 – Deformation Processing of Metals 2
- Week 7 – Deformation Processing of Metals 3
- Week 8 – Deformation Processing of Metals 4
- Break – Reflective and catch up week
- Week 9 – Ceramic Processing 1
- Week 10 – Ceramic Processing 2
- Week 11 – Ceramic Processing 3
- Week 12 – Ceramic Processing 4
Assessment
Assessment is a requirement if you are studying a postgraduate qualification. If you choose to take individual units only, the unit assessment is optional.
Assessed coursework
All coursework can be submitted via Blackboard, and feedback from e-Tutors will also be given online.
Unit examination
Formal examinations will take place two or more times each year. An examination will normally be available with six weeks of the unit completion date; you may take the examination at a later date but no more than one year after commencement of the unit.
Examinations can take place at The University of Manchester or at a University approved off-campus location, such as a British Council office / other university.
Please note that The University of Manchester will assist all students in finding a University approved off-campus examination location, but it is ultimately the student's responsibility to find and pay for this. All students are welcome to take their examination at The University of Manchester.
Credits
This is a 15-credit unit which can be built up to lead to a postgraduate qualification.
MSc Advanced Engineering Materials
This unit forms part of the MSc Advanced Engineering Materials. Other units included in the course are:
- Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
- Advanced Composite Materials
- Advanced Analytical Techniques
- Engineering Design and Communication
- High performance Alloys
- Materials Performance Life Cycle Design
- Functional and Engineering Ceramics
Manchester Materials Masters
The MSc Advanced Engineering Materials is one of four courses under the Manchester Materials Masters (MMM) programme. Other MMM MSc courses include:
- MSc Corrosion Control Engineering
- MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
- MSc Textile Technology
Pre-requisites and making an application
There are no formal pre-requisites to study for an individual unit, but we would advise you to have a relevant level of knowledge and understanding of the subject to ensure that you can cope with the postgraduate-level study. If you wish to progress onto a postgraduate qualification following completion of an individual unit, then you will need to complete a formal application.
To make an application to an individual unit or to a postgraduate qualification, please click here
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this unit or other units and courses within the School of Materials, please contact our MMM Team:
- mmm@manchester.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4869
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this unit or other units and courses within the School of Materials, please contact our MMM Team:
- mmm@manchester.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4869
Fees
- Full 12-week unit - £1,900
Your registration includes full access to the teaching material on Blackboard and allocated e-Tutor support throughout the programme.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
- Calculate strains and strain rates from stresses in elastic and plastic deformation.
- Calculate forces, power and temperature changes and process limits during processing.
- Relate mechanical behaviour and plastic anisotropy to performance in sheet forming operations.
- Relate microstructures and plastic behaviour in processing.
- Describe liquid metal casting processes including gravity casting, investment casting, rheocasting, spray forming.
- Explain the theory of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation during solidification, in relation to grain refinement,
- Describe why interfaces become morphologically unstable during solidification, and why dendritic, and planar growth fronts can occur, as a function of the solidification conditions,
- Explain one dimensional models of segregation during freezing,
- Explain coupled nucleation and growth in eutectic reactions as well as how peritectic solidification takes place.
- Understand the factors governing microstructure formation in solidification processes.
- Discuss the principles used in single crystal growth, rapid solidification - metallic glass formation, and formation of weld microstructures.
- Select appropriate methods for synthesis of ceramic powders
- Use the principles of particle interaction in liquid to prepare ceramic particle suspension and slurries.
- Determine the optimum composition of slurry and suspension for produce dense green ceramics.
- Determine the forming process condition in relation to the rheology of ceramic suspensions and slurries
- Determine the sintering condition for manufacture of ceramic materials