We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Thomas Eagar, Jessica Sandland, and Donald Baskin

From skyscrapers to transportation infrastructure, structural materials dominate the human landscape. Learning the principles that govern their selection is essential for any aspiring or practicing engineer.

Read more

From skyscrapers to transportation infrastructure, structural materials dominate the human landscape. Learning the principles that govern their selection is essential for any aspiring or practicing engineer.

This engineering course will introduce you to the key principles of structural materials selection through a practical curriculum rooted in the real world. The principles taught are general enough to be applied across many domains. Key points are emphasized with interesting examples and anecdotes from industry and academia.

This course benefits aspiring engineers and students with no previous experience as well as the seasoned professional.

Image (c) Eagar, Thomas

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Externalities of materials selection
  • Material price, cost and abundance
  • Properties, limits and ratio analysis of structural materials

Syllabus

Lecture 1: Introduction to externalities of materials selection, comprising social, political, economic, military, cultural, environmental and other effects.
Read more
Lecture 2: Introduction to relationship between material cost, abundance and usage. Factors influencing availability such as energy density and recyclability are also discussed.
Lecture 3: Introduction to the properties of materials that influence use in structural applications. Discussion of ratio analysis using among other examples steel, aluminum, and titanium.
Lecture 4: Discusses manufacturing and processing factors that effect material choice in various applications. Introduction to causes of material failures.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for those new to structural materials as well as seasoned professionals
Offers practical examples throughout the curriculum to illustrate key concepts
Discusses societal, economic, and environmental impacts of material selection, giving a comprehensive view of the topic
Taught by three tenured professors with extensive experience in structural materials
Covers diverse materials, such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, making it relevant for various industries
Provides a generalizable framework for studying structural materials, making it useful in many domains

Save this course

Save Structural Materials: Selection and Economics to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Recommended materials economics course

Learners say this materials economics course is great with a focus on practical information. The instructor is highly praised for their teaching.
The instructor is excellent.
"The course instructor did a great job"
The course provides useful, practical information.
"The course instructor did a great job, passed along useful practical information."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Structural Materials: Selection and Economics with these activities:
Review basic engineering mechanics concepts
Strengthen foundational understanding of engineering mechanics concepts to support learning in this course.
Browse courses on Engineering Mechanics
Show steps
  • Review concepts of stress, strain, and deformation
  • Practice solving simple mechanics problems
Read 'Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction'
Provides a deep dive into the applications and properties of materials that will be further explored within the course.
Show steps
  • Chapter 1: Basic Concepts
  • Chapter 2: Structure of Materials
  • Chapter 3: Mechanical Properties
Create flashcards on key material properties
Improve memorization and recall of essential material properties, enhancing understanding.
Browse courses on Material Properties
Show steps
  • Gather information on key material properties
  • Create flashcards with questions and answers
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch MIT OpenCourseWare videos on material selection
Explore real-world scenarios where material selection plays a crucial role, enhancing understanding of the course concepts.
Browse courses on Material Selection
Show steps
  • Watch 'Introduction to Material Selection' (video lecture)
  • Watch 'Case Study: Material Selection for a Bicycle Frame' (video lecture)
Build a small-scale structure using different materials
Gain hands-on experience with material selection and construction, reinforcing theoretical knowledge.
Show steps
  • Gather materials such as wood, cardboard, or plastic
  • Design and build a simple structure
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Engage in discussions and share perspectives, deepening comprehension of course material through peer learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or form one with classmates
  • Schedule regular study sessions
Solve practice problems on material properties and selection
Reinforce understanding of quantitative aspects of material selection, improving problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Material Properties
Show steps
  • Solve problems related to stress-strain relationships
  • Solve problems related to material failure criteria
Design a project using appropriate structural materials
Integrate knowledge of material properties and selection into practical design tasks, solidifying understanding.
Browse courses on Structural Design
Show steps
  • Identify the design requirements and constraints
  • Research and select appropriate materials
  • Develop a design concept

Career center

Learners who complete Structural Materials: Selection and Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Metallurgical Engineer
A Metallurgical Engineer designs new alloys for use in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to optimize their properties for specific applications.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs and builds machines and other mechanical systems. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create products that are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Materials Scientist
A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials for use in various industries. They study the properties of materials and how they can be improved for specific applications. This course would help you understand the fundamental principles of materials science and how it is applied in the development of new materials.
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer designs and builds chemical plants and other chemical processes. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create products that are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and operates systems to protect the environment. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create systems that are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Petroleum Engineer
A Petroleum Engineer designs and operates oil and gas wells. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to extract oil and gas safely and efficiently. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them safely and efficiently. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Nuclear Engineer
A Nuclear Engineer designs and operates nuclear power plants. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create systems that are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs and builds aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create products that are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Mining Engineer
A Mining Engineer designs and operates mines to extract minerals from the earth. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to extract them safely and efficiently. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Materials Management Analyst
A Materials Management Analyst develops and implements strategies for managing the flow of materials within an organization. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them efficiently. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Purchasing Manager
A Purchasing Manager is responsible for采购ing goods and services for an organization. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to negotiate the best prices for them. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Quality Control Inspector
A Quality Control Inspector is responsible for ensuring that products meet quality standards. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to test them for defects. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Inventory Manager
An Inventory Manager is responsible for managing the flow of goods within an organization. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to store them safely and efficiently. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.
Product Designer
A Product Designer designs and develops new products. They must understand the properties of different materials and how to use them to create products that are safe, efficient, and desirable. This course would help you understand how different materials behave under various conditions and how to select the right materials for specific applications.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Structural Materials: Selection and Economics.
Widely adopted textbook commonly used across academic institutions for teaching structural materials selection. It is an essential reference for both students and industry professionals.
Provides an overview of the economic factors involved in product design and development, including material selection and cost considerations.
This classic book provides a thorough understanding of corrosion and its impact on structural materials, offering strategies for prevention and protection.
Explores the causes of material failures in mechanical design, providing insights for understanding and preventing material failures in structural applications.
Provides an overview of sustainable materials processing and manufacturing, covering aspects such as material selection and environmental considerations.
Provides an overview of composite materials, which are increasingly used for structural applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.
Explores the environmental impact of materials, providing guidance for eco-informed material selection.
Provides insights into the thought process and problem-solving techniques of engineers, which can be beneficial for aspiring engineers.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Structural Materials: Selection and Economics.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser