The aerospace industry, including size, safety/performance requirements and legislation/government influence. Operating conditions for airframe and aeroengine components. Materials selection criteria for airframe components. Development of airframe materials (including heat treatment) with respect to specific stiffness and strength; fatigue resistance; corrosion fatigue and stress corrosion cracking for natural materials, aliminium-based alloys, polymer matrix composites and titanium-based alloys. Mechanisms of erosion and its avoidance in service. Determination and origins of friction and adhesive and abrasive wear. Surface engineering techniques for increased wear resistance (particularly for steels in shafts, bearings and gears). Operation of gas turbine engines and service requirements. The use of titanium-based alloys in aeroengines, including spuerplastic forming and diffusion bonding; creep and fatigue resistance; and metal matrix composite structures. The development of nickel-based superalloys for turbine blades and discs including processing routes. Application of ceramic and refractory coatings for wear resistance and atmospheric protection at elevated temperatures, including thermal barrier coatings.

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Explain the service requirements of aerospace materials and structures in terms of mechanical and physical properties, cost, processability and environmental factors;
• Evaluate and use the relevant merit indices for the selection of materials currently used (in aerospace) and those offering potential benefits;
• Discuss the strengthening mechanisms of (aerospace) materials for a variety of service conditions experienced and how these are developed;
• Anticipate and explain likely component failure mechanisms and explain how these can be combated by material modification, including surface engineering;
• Explain improvements in materials for a range of aerospace components based on the objectives above.

(UK-Spec Learning Outcomes:- E1 & P1)