Materials and Production Engineering

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In this course, materials science and production engineering are introduced by exploring how the the microstructure of a material relates to its physical properties, which in turn allows you to explore its production and manufacturing possibilities. You first learn to understand the atomic structure and interatomic bonding in materials and to understand phase diagrams. Subsequently, the material classes (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites) are introduced. You learn to analyse characteristic material properties which are primary relevant to production (density, elasticity, strength, toughness, durability, melting point, specific heat, thermal expansion and reflectance/absorbance). Finally, you are introduced to conventional and some advanced manufacturing techniques. As an integral part of this course, there is a visit to the machine workshop of Maastricht University. In addition to an exam, you execute a group assignment related to the process of turning bulk materials into value-added products and accompanying footprint, you perform a material selection and generate a fabrication plan at conceptual level for a basic product and discuss circularity aspects.