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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. 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 friction, or more specifically, the study of moving parts that rub against each other, is Tribology. The study of lubrication and wear and the pro active materials to prevent wear is a very important part of tribology. All motors, bearing and other moving parts of any machine require a study of tribology for friction and wear. 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. 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 In any engineering business, whether designing a new concept or producing and improving an already established product, there is an infinite number of related disciplines that need to work together as a team. Sometimes small businesses do not staff for each engineering field that is needed for a project and rely on an engineering consultant, as a certified expert in that needed field. Huge corporations often fall into the same niche when expanding their business. When moving into new markets these large corporations will employ engineering consultant in order to research their product line, market and price requirements for their new products, as well as materials to be used to make a good product, that will stand up to what the public will use it for. Consultants can usually aid in assembly techniques and processes as well. This process of consulting could include a different engineering consultant for each topic or a single general engineering consultant to oversee the 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 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.
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David Niebuhr, Engineer, Metallurgical Expert Witness, Metallurgy Consultant Get a unique version of this article from our Consulting article directory
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