Aerospace Materials MSc(Eng)

Program Overview

The Aerospace Materials MSc(Eng) program from the University of Sheffield equips students with a comprehensive understanding of materials used in aerospace, including manufacturing, processing, and properties of metals and composites. Graduates are prepared for careers in materials development, manufacturing, and research within the aerospace industry, and are eligible for professional registration as Chartered Engineers (CEng).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc(Eng) program in Aerospace Materials is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the materials used in the aerospace industry, particularly in airframes and aeroengines. The program focuses on the manufacturing, processing, and properties of metals and composite materials. Students will also gain a strong foundation in thermodynamics, structure, and mechanical behavior.

Objectives:

• Develop a deep understanding of the manufacturing, processing, and properties of metals and composite materials used in aerospace applications.
• Gain expertise in the fundamentals of thermodynamics, structure, and mechanical behavior of materials.
• Acquire practical skills in materials characterization, processing, and modeling.
• Develop the ability to design and manufacture composite materials.
• Prepare for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Outline:

The program is structured as a one-year full-time course. It consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, and a project. The focus is on the effect of alloying on processing, microstructure, and performance of structural components in industries like automotive and aerospace. (15 credits)

• Science of Materials: This module introduces fundamental concepts in materials science, covering metallic, polymeric, and inorganic materials.
Topics include chemical bonding, crystallography, crystal defects, mechanical properties, phase diagrams, and transformations. (15 credits)
• Materials Processing and Characterisation: This module explores experimental methods for characterizing materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites) and the processes involved in their production.
It covers characterization techniques like diffraction, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis, as well as manufacturing processes like powder, thermomechanical, and molding. (15 credits)
• Practical, Modelling and Digital Skills: This module develops practical skills in materials characterization, data handling and analysis using MATLAB, finite element modeling (FEM) using ANSYS, and scientific literature searching.
It also covers technical skills for presenting data, referencing, formatting documents, and giving presentations. (15 credits)
• Design and Manufacture of Composites: This module focuses on the design and manufacture of polymer composites.
It covers classical laminate theory for composite design and various manufacturing routes, including practical issues like defects, machining, failure, testing, repair, and SMART composites. (15 credits)
• Deformation, Fracture and Fatigue: This module explores the mechanical phenomena of deformation, fracture, and fatigue in metals.
It covers the role of dislocations, microstructural features, linear elastic fracture mechanics, plastic zones at crack tips, and cyclical fatigue. (15 credits) It covers modeling and simulation for rapid insertion of new materials and processes, as well as optimization of current methods. (15 credits)
• Heat and Materials with Application: This module covers the theory of heat transfer and diffusion, including conduction, convection, radiation, and Fick's laws.
It introduces analytical and numerical solutions to heat transfer and diffusion problems, considering various boundary conditions and geometries. (15 credits)
• Project: Students undertake a research project on a topic agreed upon with their supervisor.
The project involves a literature survey, laboratory work, and a final report and presentation. (60 credits)

Assessment:

Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework assignments, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, and project work. Students work alongside peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds, tackling real-world projects.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in the aerospace industry, particularly in materials development, manufacturing, and research. Potential career paths include:

• Materials Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Process Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Quality Control Engineer

Other:

• The program is fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3).
• Graduates are eligible for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in aerospace materials and related fields.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.

• Home (2024 annual fee) : £13,000
• Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £29,700