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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. Metals or metallic compounds are seen in everyday applications like vehicles, jewelry or a tube of toothpaste. The material used in the tube of toothpaste is likely not the same material used in a vehicle or a necklace - each application requires different metallurgical properties to enable that product to be marketable. The development and advancement of metallurgical engineering in the latest century has enabled us to build bridges that hold unimaginable weight, aircrafts that are lightweight while still being extremely powerful, and engine parts that are more durable and can withstand very high temperatures. 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 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. 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 An engineering consultant is often relied on to be an expert in a needed field. Often businesses do not employ the proper engineer on their staff and utilize the services of outside engineers to meet their needs. Working together as a team is integral to achieving the desired results and designing and producing required parts. The engineering consultant field is well utilized and provides the input and research needed in the marketplace. On the other side of the spectrum, large corporations also use engineering consultants as when emerging into a new market or un-chartered territory, like an automotive engine manufacturer expanding to build jet engines as well. The company in this example would hire an engineering consultant to ensure that the design, materials, manufacturing processes and assembly techniques are up to the latest engineering standards. 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. Basically only specialists in a specific field or market, engineering consultants are problem solvers. Industry utilizes these individuals to solve problems, work out issues, research product requirements, materials and to gain experience and 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 Metal Fatigue expert. Metallurgical Analysis Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content Consulting article here.
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