Selection of Engineering Materials (Worked solution)

For one engineering component/system from the following list; write a report based on the requirement below.

• High Pressure Turbine Blade (gas turbine engine)

The case study is divided into five sections. Sections one and two form the basis of the initial report. Sections three-five form the basis of the final report
You are required to answer all sections and structure your report following the section breakdown given. If you do not answer a section (or sub-section), you cannot get any marks for it.
Do not combine sections or sub-sections
Initial Report
Section 1

1. Provide a review of how your component(s) functions as part of a system (5 marks)
2. Describe the in-service conditions and loading modes that your components(s) operate under and therefore justify the material characteristics needed for your selected component(s). (10 marks)

Section 2

1. Perform a material selection for your component(s) using CES software, so justifying the conventional material(s) used in your selected component(s). Use relevant material performance indices and CES selection charts. (10 marks)
2. Review any surface considerations relevant to your component(s) (e.g. corrosion, wear,) and indicate how such issues are addressed for your component by appropriate surface treatment. (5 marks)

Initial report: presentation, structure, technical writing style and referencing: 10 marks
Main Report
            Section 3

1. Provide a brief summary review of initial report as introduction to main report, justifying which material was selected previously (3 marks)
2. Describe how the current (conventional material) material selected (in section 2a of initial report) & component geometry influences the choice of manufacturing routes that are feasible  (4 marks)
3. Justify and review the current manufacturing route (7 marks).
4. Relate how your selected manufacturing route imparts microstructural changes to the material and indicate how this may affect material properties (6 marks).

Section 4

1. Discuss any alternate material(s) that could be used for your chosen component. Select an advanced material based on a combination of CES software justification and reasoned discussion/argument. Focus on advanced materials such as composites (polymer, metal or ceramic matrix), ceramics and high performance alloys as is relevant to the component(s) in question. (10 marks)
2. Survey advantages and limitations of your selected advanced material for the component(s) concerned (5 marks)

Section 5
Justify a manufacturing route that could be considered for the component(s) in the advanced material(s) proposed in section 4. (10 marks).                                                                                                                          Note: You should describe how your particular component is to be manufactured in the advanced material, not just how the material itself is derived in bulk form.
Main report: presentation, structure, technical writing style and referencing: 15 marks