Learn engineering materials from basic to advanced

Engineering materials refers to the group of materials that are used in the construction of manmade structures and components. The primary function of an engineering material is to withstand applied loading without breaking and without exhibiting excessive deflection. The major classifications of engineering materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. The important characteristics of the materials within each of these classes are discussed on this page, and tables of material properties are also provided.

Engineering materials application is an application that contains a collection of theories about materials in engineering. You can learn step by step about material engineering components. This application is suitable for use as a study aid to prepare for your engineering materials exam

Metals

Metals are the most commonly used class of engineering materials. Metal alloys are especially common, and they are formed by combining a metal with one or more other metallic and/or non-metallic materials. The combination usually occurs through a process of melting, mixing, and cooling. The goal of alloying is to improve the properties of the base material in some desirable way.

Metal alloy processes are described in terms of the percentages of the various elements in the alloy, where the percentages are measured by weight.

Ferrous Alloys

Ferrous alloys have iron as the base element. These alloys and include steels and cast irons. Ferrous alloys are the most common metal alloys in use due to the abundance of iron, ease of production, and high versatility of the material. The biggest disadvantage of many ferrous alloys is low corrosion resistance.

Carbon is an important alloying element in all ferrous alloys. In general, higher levels of carbon increase strength and hardness, and decrease ductility and weldability.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steels are basically just mixtures of iron and carbon. They may contain small amounts of other elements, but carbon is the primary alloying ingredient. The effect of adding carbon is an increase in strength and hardness.

Most carbon steels are plain carbon steels, of which there are several types.

Low-Carbon Steel

Low-carbon steel has less than about 0.30% carbon. It is characterized by low strength but high ductility. Some strengthening can be achieved through cold working, but it does not respond well to heat treatment. Low-carbon steel is very weldable and is inexpensive to produce. Common uses for low-carbon steel include wire, structural shapes, machine parts, and sheet metal.

Medium-Carbon Steel

Medium-carbon steel contains between about 0.30% to 0.70% carbon. It can be heat treated to increase strength, especially with the higher carbon contents. Medium-carbon steel is frequently used for axles, gears, shafts, and machine parts.

High-Carbon Steel

High-carbon steel contains between about 0.70% to 1.40% carbon. It has high strength but low ductility. Common uses include drills, cutting tools, knives, and springs.