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MTE4594 · Engineering alloy design, processing and selection

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 4Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

Engineering alloys play a vital role in modern society. In almost all structural applications the principle loads are carried by engineering alloys. The reasons underlying this choice are discussed and the general methodology used to choose a material for use in a new application is presented. The link between processing, microstructure and properties is emphasized. A selection of engineering alloys, including steels (carbon, alloy, stainless, dual-phase, TRIP/TWIP), cast irons, aluminium, magnesium, titanium, nickel and cobalt-based superalloys and zirconium alloys, is discussed. The state-of-the-art approaches to the design and development of new alloys for the 21st century are outlined.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Materials selection assignmentWritten25%Threshold
2Alloy systems projectProject25%
3Final assessmentExamination50%Threshold

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

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

Requisites

prerequisite

  • MTE3542 — Microstructural design in structural materials
  • MTE3102 — Plasticity of metals and alloys

Joined by OR.

prohibitions

  • MTE5194 — Engineering alloy design, processing and selection

Learning outcomes

  1. develop a thorough understanding of the combinations of mechanical properties exhibited by engineering alloys and how these compare with other materials classes
  2. develop an understanding of the methodology used in objectively selecting a material and processing procedure for a given engineering application
  3. develop in depth understanding of the microstructures and their development for the most common classes of engineering alloys
  4. develop an understanding of the principles of microstructural design for mechanical applications.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-8 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.

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