Applied Materials and Failure Analysis

Unit code: NEM2006 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit, you will learn to make confident, evidence-based decisions about material selection and performance in mechanical design. You will explore advanced selection methods that balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability while analysing how wear, corrosion, and creep affect long-term reliability.

Through laboratory investigations and simulation-based analysis, you will evaluate the effects of material processing and heat treatment on mechanical behaviour and apply these insights to real-world engineering challenges. Ethical, environmental, and professional considerations are integrated throughout the unit, developing your capacity to justify material and design choices that support safe, responsible, and innovative mechanical engineering practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Apply systematic material selection tools to optimise design outcomes balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability;
  2. Evaluate and predict material behaviour under complex loading to improve design reliability and durability;
  3. Analyse how heat treatment influences microstructure and apply this knowledge to optimise mechanical performance;
  4. Integrate ethical reasoning and sustainability principles when evaluating trade-offs in material and design decisions; and
  5. Collaborate within teams to evaluate and communicate material selection and design decisions using professional and culturally sensitive communication practices.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
In-class failure-mode analysis applying engineering data to identify mechanisms of wear, corrosion, and creep (Individual) (30 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Laboratory-based team investigation of heat treatment effects on non-ferrous metals, integrating material selection, failure analysis, and sustainability report and presentation (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Oral technical defence of analysis and design decisions demonstrating understanding of material behaviour and selection tools (Individual) (10 mins)

Exercise: This secure in-class assessment ensures authenticity by requiring students to analyse unseen failure data under supervised conditions. Real-time reasoning and unpredictable parameters verify individual understanding of material behaviour and reliability principles.

Project: Group laboratory investigation analysing the effects of heat treatment and material selection on performance and sustainability. Structured milestone checks and collaborative reporting ensure accountability and progressive skill development. Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process.

Presentation: This secure oral technical defence requires students to individually justify their analysis and design decisions, demonstrating critical reasoning, data interpretation, and application of material selection frameworks. The unpredictable Q&A component confirms the authenticity of the work and ensures each student can individually demonstrate their learning.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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