Metallurgical Engineering

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Metallurgical Engineering

By: David Niebuhr

Metallurgical engineering is problem solving or development of products using the engineering disciplines of materials science and metallurgy. If metallurgy is the development and production of metallic components, then a simple explanation of metallurgical engineering is optimizing the metallic elements and compounds for a specific function.

Metal is an everyday material. Metallic compounds are in virtually everything we see and use everyday from our automobiles, motorcycles to jewelry, clothing and furniture. Each item utilizes different metallurgical properties to provide a marketable product. The bridges of today, engines and motors, lightweight steels and super strong steels are all developments of the past century and directly related to metallurgical engineering.

Common metals that are studied and experimented with in metallurgical engineering are aluminum, copper, nickel and titanium. Mixing these metallic elements with other metallic compounds create alloys, each which have distinct characteristics. Often, engineers call upon metallurgical engineers to develop or find a specific alloy that will satisfy a list of design criteria that needs to be met for a component.

Cost, strength, hardness, fatigue resistance and weight for sure, and many more. Alloys are also researched and developed with high temperature performance in mind where the alloys need to withstand heat, such as in motors and jets engines.

Tribology

Tribology is the science of specific mechanisms that occur due to moving parts that rub against each other. The mechanisms that present during the persistent rubbing that occurs in daily operation of such moving parts are friction and wear. Studying lubrication or other protective materials to prevent wear is part of tribology and is most often pertains to bearing designs.

Leonardo da Vinci studied tribology and realized the laws of friction back in the 14th century era. Leonardo realized that distance and weight are proportionate to the amount friction generated. The term did not actually exist back, nor the field as we know of it today. Tribology was born in the late 1700s when the first tests were carried out. It was all about gold coins then and how quickly they would wear.

Scientists, and more specifically tribologists, are continually discovering more relationships to be used in metallurgical engineering and failure analysis. The importance of tribology lies in the definition - studying the wear of moving parts.

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.

It is demanded to study tribology for engine component design. Railroad systems, bearings as well. It is important to utilize the right metals for these parts to minimize wear and failure. Metallurgical engineers work with a team to ensure the proper materials are used and expectations are met for durability.

Engineering Consultant

When designing or producing or improving a new, or existing product, you need to be aware of the infinite related engineering disciplines needed to work out the engineering issues at hand. Often a small business will not have on staff the proper engineering qualified individual. It is here that an engineering consultant comes into play and can help small business owners over the hurdle of technology and research required.

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.

The consulting process, depending on your needs, could employ a separate consultant for each project or one generalized consultant to oversee an entire project or transition into a new market. Engineering consultants are familiar with these procedures and methods and will provide you with the service you need.

Engineering consultants are simply specialists in a specific area of engineering or a particular type of problem solving situation. Companies and businesses of all sizes and types can utilize engineering consultants to either outsource work or to gain an extensive amount of expertise in a precise scope of work.

Some consultant are specific to certain industries, aerospace comes to mind, as well as automotive. In cases such as this it is often beneficial to find an engineering consultant with specializes in your exact market or field. The added targeted experience will be sure to provide you with more targeted and positive results. They will work with your team and together find the exact solutions to the problems and issues that will arise over time, and during the initial setup and transition phases.

Article Source: http://www.find-investment-advice.com

David Niebuhr Metal Fatigue expert. Metallurgical Analysis
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