UK Centre for Materials Education
Working with you to enhance the student experience
Working with you to enhance the student experience
This project aimed to explore the use of Finite element (FE) simulations in developing materials for lectures, coursework, as well as a web based teaching and learning resource, thus integrating the teaching in Materials, Mechanics and Design. As FE modelling is a powerful tool for simulating the behaviour of materials or structures under different loading modes, the use of this technique can potentially make the teaching of Materials and related subjects more interesting and informative, and help students in understanding the link between materials, manufacture and design.
The three case studies developed as part of this project included polymer foams, stress concentration and metal extrusion, each of which has different emphasis in the field of materials properties, mechanics and processing. A variety of teaching materials were developed for each case study. FE images or animation clips showing material deformation/stress/strain distribution were also used in lectures. Simulation based coursework combining materials selection and design was developed to help students to learn about the effect of materials properties on design. Mechanical tests and photo-elasticity measurements were performed and used in conjunction with FE modelling. These were implemented in a range of modules for undergraduate/postgraduate Engineering Materials & Manufacturing students and level 3 Sport Technology Applications. The teaching materials were also structured into a comprehensive web based teaching & learning resource, and some of this work was successfully used in industrial training programmes.
