Mechanical Engineering Materials

Module code: MEU33B04 · Semester: Semester 1

Themes: Theme 1: Energy; Theme 2: Bioengineering/Manufacturing; Theme 3: Mechanical/Manufacturing

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 11 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2022/23
• 2021/22
• 2020/21
• 2019/20
• 2018/19
• 2017/18 (old code ME3B4)
• 2016/17 (old code ME3B4)
• 2015/16 (old code ME3B4)
• 2014/15 (old code ME3B4)
• 2013/14 (old code ME3B4)
• 2012/13 (old code ME3B4)

Papers open on tcd.ie (sign in to TCD first).

Topics

• Porous and composite materials: fabrication, fibre alignment, effect on properties LO1, LO6
• Plastic behaviour: dislocations, solid solution strengthening, phase diagrams, diffusion LO1, LO3
• Heat treatment of steel; material selection with Ashby charts LO3–4
• Fracture: LEFM, EPFM (CTOD, J-integral), Charpy and nano-indentation LO1, LO5
• Fatigue: S-N curves, Paris law, damage accumulation, Goodman/Gerber/Soderberg, surface effects LO1, LO5
• Creep and stress relaxation in polymers LO2
• Corrosion and oxidation: Pilling-Bedworth, corrosion rates, galvanic and other forms, sacrificial anodes LO2

Learning outcomes (exam covers LO1–5)

1. Relate microstructure to deformation and failure, with calculations
2. Quantify effects of time, temperature and environment on metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
3. Predict how alloying and heat treatment change properties
4. Select materials for an application
5. Understand component failure and its social and ethical consequences
6. Make and test composite materials in the lab
7. Write a technical report on material selection and performance

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.