MECH : 11/6/2025 (sub)
ASSIGNMENT – I
Answer the following questions
1. Explain the types, properties and applications of ferrous and non-
ferrous metals?
Ans:
Ferrous Metals
Definition:
Ferrous metals are metals that primarily contain iron. They are usually magnetic and prone to
corrosion unless alloyed.
Types:
• Cast Iron: High carbon content (2%-4%). Types include gray, white, ductile, and malleable
iron.
• Wrought Iron: Very low carbon content (~0.08%). Ductile and corrosion-resistant.
• Steel: Iron alloyed with carbon (up to 2.1%) and other elements. Types include:
o Carbon Steel (low, medium, high carbon)
o Alloy Steel (includes elements like chromium, nickel, etc.)
o Stainless Steel (contains chromium, corrosion-resistant)
o Tool Steel (used for cutting tools, heat-resistant)
Properties:
• Strong and tough
• Magnetic (except some stainless steels)
• Good machinability (varies by type)
• Prone to rust unless alloyed
Applications:
• Construction (beams, girders)
• Automotive (chassis, engine parts)
• Tools and machinery
• Pipelines and structural components
Non-Ferrous Metals
Definition:
Metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron.
Types:
• Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant
• Copper: Excellent electrical conductivity
• Zinc: Often used for galvanization
• Lead: Heavy, corrosion-resistant
• Nickel: Resistant to oxidation and corrosion
• Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant
Properties:
• Non-magnetic
• Better corrosion resistance
• Good electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g., copper, aluminum)
• Lightweight (e.g., aluminum, titanium)
Applications:
• Electrical wiring (copper)
• Aircraft and automotive parts (aluminum, titanium)
• Roofing and pipes (zinc, lead)
• Batteries and coatings (nickel, lead)
2. Explain the following with neat sketches
i. Ceramics
ii. Composites
iii. Smart materials
iv. Shape memory alloys
Ans :
i. Ceramics
Definition:
Inorganic, non-metallic materials made by shaping and firing at high
temperatures.
Properties:
• Hard and brittle
• High melting points
• Good insulators of heat and electricity
• Chemically stable
Applications:
• Electrical insulators
• Tiles, bricks, and sanitary ware
• Cutting tools
• Biomedical implants
Sketch :
ii. Composites
Definition:
Materials made from two or more constituent materials with
different properties to produce a new material with combined
properties.
Types:
• Fiber-reinforced composites (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber)
• Particle-reinforced composites
• Structural composites
Properties:
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Corrosion-resistant
• Tailored mechanical properties
Applications:
• Aerospace structures
• Sports equipment
• Automotive body panels
• Marine and military components
Sketch :
iii. Smart Materials
Definition:
Materials that respond to external stimuli such as temperature, light,
pressure, or electrical field.
Properties:
• Reversible property changes
• Highly sensitive to environment
• Programmable response behavior
Applications:
• Sensors and actuators
• Wearable tech and adaptive clothing
• Aerospace controls
• Robotics
Sketch :
iv. Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)
Definition:
Metals that return to their original shape when heated after
deformation.
Common Alloys:
• Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol)
Properties:
• Pseudo-elasticity
• Shape memory effect
• Biocompatibility (for some alloys)
Applications:
• Medical stents and implants
• Actuators and couplings
• Eyeglass frames
• Robotics and aerospace
Sketch :
