Metallurgical Engineering

By: David Niebuhr

Metallurgical engineering defines problems, or development of products, via disciplines of metallurgy and materials science. Metallurgy being the production and development of metallic components proves metallurgical engineering is simply coordinating and improving compounds and metallic elements for any defined or desired operation.

Metals or metallic compounds are seen in everyday applications like vehicles, jewelry or a tube of toothpaste. The material used in the tube of toothpaste is likely not the same material used in a vehicle or a necklace - each application requires different metallurgical properties to enable that product to be marketable. The development and advancement of metallurgical engineering in the latest century has enabled us to build bridges that hold unimaginable weight, aircrafts that are lightweight while still being extremely powerful, and engine parts that are more durable and can withstand very high temperatures.

Aluminum, copper, titanium and nickel are commonly studied and experimented with in metallurgical engineering. We create alloys by mixing these elements and metallic compounds, each of which will have properties and characteristics distinctly different than the others. Metallurgical engineers often are called upon to develop specific alloys to meet specific requirements and design criteria.

These measurable characteristics are cost, weight, strength, hardness, and fatigue resistance to name a few. Another important feature of an alloy that metallurgical engineering specialists are interested in is the maximum temperature the alloy can handle and its performance at that temperature.

Tribology

The science of specific mechanisms is knows as Tribology, which is about moving parts that touch and rub against each other. Friction and wear are problems that these mechanisms experience and that metallurgical engineers attempt to eliminate. Heat and wear analysis will show failure points. Tribology covers research into protective materials and lubrications to curb wear in moving parts and particularly items such as bearing.

Leonardo da Vinci began studying tribology (although the term was not coined until recently) and specified the laws of friction in the 14th century. He observed that weight and distance are proportionate to friction generated. The first tests of tribology were carried out in the late 1700's and shed light on the wear rates of gold coins.

Tribologists and other scientists spend much time researching the relationships in metallurgical engineering and failure analysis. The study of wear of moving parts is the primal definition of tribology.

The largest markets in engineering currently are automobiles and aircrafts (commercial and military), and the vehicles are required to be reliable and safe. When parts wear, material is removed and the integrity of the part is compromised, therefore unable to perform its function reliably.

Studying tribology when designing engine components, railroad systems, waterway lock-gates or roller bearings is critical in aiding the metallurgical engineers and other teammates in choosing the optimal configuration and material for the parts.

Engineering Consultant

An engineering consultant is often relied on to be an expert in a needed field. Often businesses do not employ the proper engineer on their staff and utilize the services of outside engineers to meet their needs. Working together as a team is integral to achieving the desired results and designing and producing required parts. The engineering consultant field is well utilized and provides the input and research needed in the marketplace.

Many large corporations utilize engineering consultants when expanding into new fields and new markets. If an automobile manufacturer decides to go into the jet engine business, it is the perfect opportunity to utilize an engineering consultant, or even consultants, to introduce them to the new market. This is the perfect way to familiarize themselves with design, processes of manufacture, materials and techniques of the engineering standards and requirements.

Often a different engineering consultant will be drafted for the different topics or projects involved in the business expansion. Sometimes one individual or a firm will be hired on to coordinate an entire transition.

You can gain a huge amount of information and expertise in your field or market from employing the right engineering consultant. Consultants are specialists in the field and problem solvers at heart. The situation provides companies and businesses with a market to outsource consulting and gain engineering skills.

A few types of engineering consultants' specific disciplines are aerospace engineering, metallurgical engineering, materials engineering, automotive engineering, structures engineering, industrial engineering and manufacturing engineering. These engineers would work together with the team to solve a critical issue with the business. The demand for engineering consultants is growing more and more each year as technology is advancing and standards are increasing.

Article Source: EZINEPRIME - FREE WEB CONTENT and ARTICLES

David Niebuhr - Expert Testimony, Mercury Consulting
Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Consulting Articles Submissions Service

Add this article to your favorite Social Bookmarkers.

Print This Article

Post Comment

Add To Favorites

Email to Friends

Ezine Ready

	EzinePrime © 2006-2007 HubPrime.com Notice: We collect personal information on this site. To learn more about how we use your information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Home \| About\| Contact Us \| PrimeLinks\| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Service \| RSS
by HubPrime™