UnitLevel 3Undergraduate and Postgraduate

MTE3102 Plasticity of metals and alloys

Faculty of Engineering

MTE3102 Plasticity of metals and alloys is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs (MTE2101 or MTE2541) and (MTE2103 or MTE2546) and unlocks 2 units, leading on to 3 units in all.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 3 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite and corequisite rules if you are enrolled in this course.

Overview

This unit introduces the most important mechanical properties of engineering alloys and explores the relationship between these properties, the microstructure, and the mechanisms of plastic deformation. The properties considered will include the yield strength, strain hardening, ultimate tensile strength, fracture, creep, fatigue and wear.

Particular emphasis is placed on the role of dislocations and twins as the dominant actors controlling plastic deformation in metals and alloys. The interaction between dislocation/twins and the microstructure is emphasised.

You will develop a detailed and quantitative understanding of the relationship between the mechanical properties of engineering alloys and their microstructure and learn how to design microstructures to optimise different properties.

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • In-class FLUX questionsQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • Individual assignmentWrittenThreshold hurdle
    15%
  • Laboratory practicalsDemonstrationThreshold hurdle
    20%
  • Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle
    50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe which mechanical properties are most important for structural alloys and the dependence of these properties on microstructure.

  2. 2

    Analyse the properties and roles of dislocations and twins in carrying plasticity in crystalline solids.

  3. 3

    Discuss the different strengthening mechanisms in metals and alloys.

  4. 4

    Discuss the causes of strain hardening and fracture of metals and alloys and how they depend on the microstructure.

  5. 5

    Analyse the effect of temperature on the plasticity of metals and alloys and compare the deformation structures obtained at different temperatures and strain rates.

  6. 6

    Predict the effect of microstructure on creep, fatigue and wear of metals and alloys.

  7. 7

    Apply the principles of microstructure design to the optimization of selected mechanical properties.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories12 hours
  • Workshops24 hours
  • Practical activities24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-4 hours of scheduled learning activities and 8-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and  preparation for scheduled activities.

This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Where it fits

MTE3102 is part of 1 area of study in the 2027 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Michael Preuss
Unit Coordinators
Professor Michael Preuss

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MTE3102?

You need (MTE2101 or MTE2541) and (MTE2103 or MTE2546) before you enrol; and MTE2102 or MTE2542 before or alongside it. Enrolment rules also apply.

What can I take after MTE3102?

MTE3102 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including MTE4102 and MTE4594. Those lead on to 3 units in all.

When is MTE3102 offered?

In 2027, MTE3102 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

How much work is MTE3102?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MTE3102 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include MTE3102?

MTE3102 is part of Materials engineering.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available
Handbook years
202220232024202520262027