Introduction
Mechanical engineering is a fundamental part of the engineering sciences, and it is the study of and application of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and other single and multi-physics-based materials. Mechanical engineering materials encompass a range of materials from traditional metals like steel and aluminum to advanced materials like ceramics, composites, and nanomaterials. This paper provides a discussion of the various mechanical engineering materials, and how they are used in engineering technologies.
Metals
Metals are the most commonly used mechanical engineering materials. These metals typically possess high strength, good ductility and easy formability. The most common used metals as mechanical engineering materials are steel, aluminum, and copper. Steel is a hard and durable metal commonly used for structural and construction applications. It is also used to produce mechanical parts and components, such as bolts, screws, and bearings. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is used in the construction of aircraft, ships and automobiles because of its strength to weight ratio. Copper is significantly more ductile than steel, and is mainly used due to its permanently high electrical conductivity. It is often used in devices of the electrical transmission as well as motors and generators.
Plastics
Plastics are polymers materials that possess superior molding and thermoforming capabilities, while providing excellent flexibility and shock resistance. Plastics are used in the creation of parts, components, and even complete products. In the mechanical engineering field, plastics are mainly used for applications such as insulation for electric wires and connectors, sealing for tubes and tanks, and the production of high strength gears. Plastics can also be used to create lightweight but strong components such as cams, pulleys, and drive components. The most commonly used plastics as mechanical engineering materials include polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene.
Composites
Composite materials are engineered materials that are composed of two or more different components. The two main components of composite materials are commonly referred to as the matrix and the reinforcement. Composites are useful for engineering applications because they can be stronger and lighter than conventional materials, while also maintaining superior resistance to thermal and electrical properties. In mechanical engineering, composites are used to create components that are lightweight and extremely strong at the same time, such as parts of an aircraft or engine. The most common type of composite materials used in the field is fiber-reinforced polymers, which is a combination of polymers and fibers.
Ceramics
Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials with a high degree of durability. They are usually formed by heating other substances to high temperatures and then shaping them by compression. In the field of mechanical engineering, ceramics are used for their superior heat and electrical resistivity, as well as their superior strength and wear resistance. Ceramics are used to create components such as bearings and seals, as well as insulation for electronic devices and high temperature components. Commonly used ceramics as mechanical engineering materials include Zirconia, Silicon Nitride, and Alumina Ceramics.
Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials are materials on an ultra-small scale, and they possess unique properties at this scale that are not found on larger scales. In the field of mechanical engineering, nanomaterials are mainly used to create components made up of extremely strong and lightweight materials. Carbon nanotubes, graphene, and single-walled nanotubes are currently the most studied and utilized nanomaterials in the industry. As the technology of nanomaterials continues to progress, so will the applications of nanomaterials in the mechanical engineering field.
Conclusion
Mechanical engineering materials are essential for the advancement of technologies in the mechanical engineering field. These materials can be broadly divided into traditional materials like metals and plastics, advanced materials like ceramics and composites, and ultra-small scale nanomaterials. Each of these materials possesses unique features and capabilities that help engineers achieve the desired mechanical properties. As engineering technologies continue to advance and become more complex, so will the mechanical engineering materials used in the industry.
