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.
Metallic compounds can be found in jewelry, vehicles and many items we use in our everyday life. The marketability of each product requires it’s slight change in metallurgical properties in order to be utilized in a manner consistent with the item required. Advances in metallurgical engineering over the past 100 years has brought to our market steel engine parts, durable building materials, bridges, high temperature withstanding steels, aircrafts light in weight yet strong and durable. We also see jewelry, a necklace or tube of toothpaste and must compare the wide ranging properties of metals to create such a wide market of products.
Nickel, copper, titanium and aluminum are all common metals utilized in metallurgical engineering. Engineers will combine these elements in strict amounts to develop specific alloys for specific requirements. Often times the design of a product requires a specific metal compound. An engineering consultant or engineer can research, experiment and create the perfect alloy for the job at hand.
Generally, the requirements fall into weight, strength, hardness, fatigue resistance and cost categories. Other important considerations are operating temperatures, both hot and cold and extremes of durability of operation in these conditions. It is no accident that your engine holds up to continued use not only in sub-zero winter temperatures, but also in extremely hot summer conditions.
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 scientists continue to look for relationships between metallurgical engineering and analysis and metal fatigue and failure. Tribology by definition is the studying of the wear of moving parts. Of huge importance is the fact that all metal parts will wear and the prediction of such wear can save much time, energy and money.
The vehicle market, automobiles and aircraft, are by far the largest markets in engineering today. These vehicles need to be completely reliable and safe, with emphasis of safety. When parts wear, they become unstable, experience a loss of integrity and are plainly compromised with a loss of safety. Metallurgical engineers take great pains in provided the best engineering to create the best of parts for these markets. Parts on the market of all of the highest caliber and made from the proper materials.
It’s very important to metallurgical engineers that when engine components, lock-gates, bearings or railroad system are designed, tribology is studied and proper configuration and materials are utilized for all parts in question.
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.
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.
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 consultants are specific to industries. Automotive, structures engineering, aerospace, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering and metallurgical engineering are a few. These engineers realize the need to work with a team to solve critical issues within industry and individual businesses. Demand is up for these engineers and will more than likely continue to grow.
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