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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.
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.
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.
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/awuu1b/structural
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Externalities of materials selection
- Material price, cost and abundance
- Properties, limits and ratio analysis of structural materials
- 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
Syllabus
Lecture 1: Introduction to externalities of materials selection, comprising social, political, economic, military, cultural, environmental and other effects.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Holistic structural materials selection & economics
According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and unique perspective on structural materials selection by integrating economic and manufacturing considerations alongside traditional material properties. Students frequently praise Professor Eagar for his clarity and engaging delivery, making complex topics accessible through real-world examples. However, some reviewers feel that while providing a solid foundation and overview, the course lacks practical depth and detailed case studies needed for advanced application, functioning more as a survey than a deep dive. Assignments and quizzes are generally seen as fair.
Quizzes and assignments test understanding.
"The quizzes tested understanding well."
"Quizzes were okay..."
"The quizzes were straightforward."
"Assignments were challenging but fair."
Examples help connect theory to practice.
"Professor Eagar is very clear and provides great real-world examples."
"Key points are emphasized with interesting examples and anecdotes from industry and academia."
"The examples were engaging."
"This course helped me connect theoretical knowledge with real-world engineering choices."
Professor Eagar is clear, knowledgeable, and engaging.
"Excellent course! Professor Eagar is very clear and provides great real-world examples."
"Instructor is knowledgeable."
"Professor Eagar is an excellent lecturer."
"Professor Eagar is brilliant and explains complex ideas simply."
Integrates economic and manufacturing aspects.
"The economic aspects were particularly insightful, linking material choice to market realities."
"Loved this course. The focus on economics and manufacturing considerations alongside material properties was unique and very useful..."
"Fantastic course for understanding the broader context of materials engineering, not just properties but also why certain materials are chosen based on cost and environmental factors."
"Provides a valuable framework for thinking about materials selection beyond just strength/stiffness. The economic perspective is key."
Overview is solid, but deeper practice is needed.
"The theoretical parts were well explained, but I felt the practical application was lacking. It gave a good overview, but for an engineer..."
"Needed more case studies or detailed problem-solving exercises. Some concepts were rushed."
"It provides a decent overview, but you'll need to supplement with other resources for practical depth. It's a survey, not a deep dive."
"I expected more detailed examples relevant to modern engineering projects. It felt a bit dated."
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
Provides a deep dive into the applications and properties of materials that will be further explored within the course.
View
Materials Science and Engineering: An...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Chapter 1: Basic Concepts
-
Chapter 2: Structure of Materials
-
Chapter 3: Mechanical Properties
Create flashcards on key material properties
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Review basic engineering mechanics concepts
Show steps
Strengthen foundational understanding of engineering mechanics concepts to support learning in this course.
Browse courses on
Engineering Mechanics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review concepts of stress, strain, and deformation
- Practice solving simple mechanics problems
Read 'Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction'
Show steps
Provides a deep dive into the applications and properties of materials that will be further explored within the course.
View
Materials Science and Engineering: An...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Chapter 1: Basic Concepts
- Chapter 2: Structure of Materials
- Chapter 3: Mechanical Properties
Create flashcards on key material properties
Show steps
Improve memorization and recall of essential material properties, enhancing understanding.
Browse courses on
Material Properties
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Explore real-world scenarios where material selection plays a crucial role, enhancing understanding of the course concepts.
Browse courses on
Material Selection
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with material selection and construction, reinforcing theoretical knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials such as wood, cardboard, or plastic
- Design and build a simple structure
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Show steps
Engage in discussions and share perspectives, deepening comprehension of course material through peer learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or form one with classmates
- Schedule regular study sessions
Solve practice problems on material properties and selection
Show steps
Reinforce understanding of quantitative aspects of material selection, improving problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Material Properties
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Solve problems related to stress-strain relationships
- Solve problems related to material failure criteria
Design a project using appropriate structural materials
Show steps
Integrate knowledge of material properties and selection into practical design tasks, solidifying understanding.
Browse courses on
Structural Design
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Materials Scientist
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.
Civil Engineer
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.
Mechanical Engineer
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.
Aerospace Engineer
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.
Chemical Engineer
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.
Mining Engineer
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.
Petroleum Engineer
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.
Environmental Engineer
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.
Nuclear Engineer
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.
Materials Management Analyst
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
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.
Inventory Manager
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.
Quality Control Inspector
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.
Product Designer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/awuu1b/structural
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Structural Materials: Selection and Economics:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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.
This comprehensive textbook provides foundational knowledge and an overview of structural materials in the context of materials science and engineering.
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 a fundamental understanding of polymers, which are commonly used as structural materials in various industries.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/awuu1b/structural
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Rating
5.0
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Instructors
Thomas Eagar
Jessica Sandland
Donald Baskin
Language
English
Transcript
English
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Structural Materials: Selection and Economics
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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