AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SELECTION METHOD: A PROPOSAL AIMED AT FIRST- AND SECOND-CYCLE ENGINEERING STUDENTS

作者：Perez Redondas Lorena^*; Asensio Lozano Juan; Angeles Garcia Maria

来源：Journal of Materials Education: An International Journal with a New Concept in Journal Publication , 2010, 32(3-4): 139-152.

• Project-based Learning
• Materials Selection
• Merit Indices
• Automobile
• Ecodesign

We describe a Materials Selection Learning methodology(1) tested individually as well as in groups. This methodology is applicable to subjects that incorporate this discipline related to Materials Science and Engineering whether individually or as part of some kind of module. Our method consists in the selection of the most suitable material for a geometrically simple component, a car bonnet, priority being given among the engineering and functional working specifications to density. By means of the derivation of simple merit indices and of compound merit indices via the combination of properties and constraints, the optimum material may be determined from among a varied collection of candidate materials. In a learning process requiring increasing involvement, students are introduced to ecological concepts through the environmental burden index, as well as to cost and availability indices, thus allowing them to derive new compound indices and hence new rankings of materials. In the final step we focused on the proposals that work groups must formulate to determine the candidate material in accordance with the aforementioned combinations. Students have to employ the coefficients method or attributive analysis to decide on and justify their choice of the numerical values chosen for the weighting coefficients.

• 出版日期2010-8