The Materials Processing and Performance Group (MP2G) contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics through the following courses:
Materials Science I introduces the fundamental principles governing the structure, processing, properties and mechanical performance of engineering materials. The course examines atomic bonding, crystal structures, defects, diffusion, heat treatments and the mechanical behavior of crystalline and amorphous materials, with particular emphasis on elastic and plastic deformation, dislocations, and strengthening mechanisms. Students develop an understanding of structure–property relationships and acquire the knowledge required to select appropriate materials for engineering applications. The course provides the scientific foundation for advanced subjects in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, including Strength of Materials, Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Composite Materials, Lightweight Structures and Finite Element Analysis.
Materials Science II builds upon the fundamental concepts introduced in Materials Science I, focusing on phase equilibria, engineering alloys and processing routes. The course covers phase diagrams, heat treatments, fatigue, creep, fracture mechanics, corrosion and strengthening mechanisms, together with the technological properties of engineering materials. Students are introduced to metallic materials, polymers , composites and modern manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy. By the end of the course, students are able to evaluate material behavior under different service conditions and select appropriate materials and processing methods for engineering applications. The course provides the scientific background required for advanced studies in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, including Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Composite Materials, Lightweight Structures, Fracture Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis.
Mechanical Behaviour of Materials introduces the fundamental principles governing the mechanical response of engineering materials, with emphasis on metals and fibre-reinforced composites. The course examines elastic and plastic deformation, constitutive behaviour, fatigue, fracture, creep and corrosion, linking material microstructure to mechanical performance under static and cyclic loading. Students gain an understanding of the mechanical behaviour of composite laminates through micro- and macro-mechanical analysis and fatigue damage mechanisms. By the end of the course, students are able to analyse material behaviour under complex loading conditions, assess failure mechanisms, and select appropriate materials for structural applications. The course provides the scientific foundation for advanced topics in structural integrity, lightweight structures, composite mechanics, fatigue and fracture and computational structural analysis.
The course introduces the principles of material selection for aerospace structures, emphasizing the relationship between material properties, manufacturing processes and performance. The course covers the characteristics of metallic aeronautical alloys, including aluminum, titanium, nickel alloys and high-strength steels, as well as polymer matrix composites and other advanced engineering materials used in modern aircraft. Particular attention is given to corrosion, fatigue and other degradation mechanisms that govern the durability and reliability of aeronautical components. Students develop the ability to evaluate and select materials based on design requirements, manufacturing constraints and service conditions, while gaining insight into current trends in aerospace materials and sustainability aspects.