Material mechanics

The behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.

material workings
mechanics of materials
matter mechanics
component mechanics

knowledge

cross-sector

Material mechanics is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Marine engineering technician: Marine engineering technicians carry out technical functions to help marine engineers with the design, development, manufacturing and testing processes, installation and maintenance of all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They also conduct experiments, collect and analyse data and report their findings.
Aerospace engineering technician: Aerospace engineering technicians work with aerospace engineers to operate, maintain and test equipment used on aircraft and spacecraft. They review blueprints and instructions to determine test specifications and procedures. They use software to make sure that parts of a spacecraft or aircraft are functioning properly. They record test procedures and results, and make recommendations for changes.
Rolling stock engineering technician: Rolling stock engineering technicians carry out technical functions to help rolling stock engineers with the design, development, manufacturing and testing processes, installation and maintenance of rail vehicles such as wagons, multiple units, carriages and locomotives. They also conduct experiments, collect and analyse data and report their findings.
Automotive designer: Automotive designers create model designs in 2D or 3D and prepare isometric drawings and graphics. They also conduct research collecting data about (new) materials, market trends and production processes.
Product development engineering technician: Product development engineering technicians improve efficiency of product development, set up equipment and develop and test solutions to solve technical problems. They work closely with engineers and technologists, inspect products, conduct tests and collect data.
Automotive engineering technician: Automotive engineering technicians work with automotive engineers to operate, repair, maintain and test equipment used in motor vehicles. In some environments, such as an airport they are responsible for keeping equipment and vehicles serviceable. They review blueprints and designs to determine test specifications and procedures. Automotive engineering technicians use software to make sure that parts of a motor vehicle are functioning properly. They record test procedures and results, and make recommendations for changes.
Materials engineer: Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.
Transport technology vocational teacher: Transport technology vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, transport technology, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a transport technology-related profession, such as automotive brake technician. Transport technology vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of transport technology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Material stress analyst: Material stress analysts plan and use software to perform structural analyses including static, stability and fatigue analyses on a variety of machines. They develop analysis of primary and secondary structures. They prepare technical reports to document their analysis results, participate in design reviews and recommend process improvements. They also assist in the development of structural test plans.
Surface treatment operator: Surface treatment operators apply chemicals and paint to the material surface in order to protect against corrosion. They calculate the materials needed for surface protection.

Material mechanics is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Aerospace engineering drafter: Aerospace engineering drafters convert the aerospace engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using computer-aided design programs. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of aircrafts and spacecrafts.
Satellite engineer: Satellite engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of satellite systems and satellite programmes. They may also develop software programs, collect and research data, and test the satellite systems. Satellite engineers can also develop systems to command and control satellites. They monitor satellites for issues and report on the behaviour of the satellite in orbit.
Rotating equipment engineer: Rotating equipment engineers develop designs and specifications for rotating equipment according to any applicable standards. They also provide technical expertise and help ensure that all new and existing equipment installations are completed.
Marine engineering drafter: Marine engineering drafters convert the marine engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using software. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Asphalt plant operator: Asphalt plant operators extract raw materials such as sand and stones and operate mobile equipment for their transport to the plant. They tend automated machines to crush and sort out stones, and to mix the sand and stones with asphalt cement. They take samples to check the quality of the mix and arrange for its transport to the construction site.
Automotive engineering drafter: Automotive engineering drafters convert the automotive engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using software. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of automotive components, cars, buses, trucks and other motor vehicles.
Mechanical engineering drafter: Mechanical engineering drafters convert mechanical engineers’ designs and sketches into technical drawings detailing dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used for example in manufacturing processes.
Rolling stock engineering drafter: Rolling stock engineering drafters convert the rolling stock engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using software. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of rail vehicles such as locomotives, multiple units, carriages and wagons.
Packing machinery engineer: Packing machinery engineers are in charge of and responsible for packaging machinery. They maintain and improve technical standards, analyse results, set up improvement plans, and are responsible for machinery maintenance.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Naval architect: Naval architects design, build, maintain and repair all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They analyse floating structures and take various features into account for their designs such as the form, structure, stability, resistance, access and propulsion of hulls.
Computer-aided design operator: Computer-aided design operators use computer hardware and software in order to add the technical dimensions to computer aided design drawings. Computer-aided design operators ensure all additional aspects of the created images of products are accurate and realistic. They also calculate the amount of materials needed to manufacture the products. Later the finalised digital design is processed by computer-aided manufacturing machines that produce the finished product.
Tooling engineer: Tooling engineers design new tools for manufacturing equipment. They prepare tooling quotation requests. They estimate costs and delivery time, manage tooling construction follow-up and supervise the routine maintenance of tools. They also analyse data to determine the cause of major tooling difficulties and develop recommendations and action plans for solutions.
Fluid power engineer: Fluid power engineers supervise the assembly, installation, maintenance, and testing of fluid power equipment in accordance with specified manufacturing processes. They create designs with schematics and assembly models, make drawings and bills of materials for components, and analyse equipment.
Vocational teacher: Vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques that the students must subsequently master in the specialised vocation of their choice and aid in the development of the according attitudes and values. Vocational teachers monitor the students progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject through assignments, tests and examinations.
Shipwright: Shipwrights build and repair small type of water vessels from pleasure craft to naval vessels. They prepare preliminary sketches and create templates. They use hand and power tools to construct smaller boat themselves or supervise a team of shipbuilders. They also construct cradles and slipways for the ship’s construction, transportation, launching and slipping. Depending on the vessels, they might work with different materials such as metal, wood, fibreglass, aluminium etc.
Industrial tool design engineer: Industrial tool design engineers design various industrial tools in accordance with customer needs, manufacturing requirements, and building specifications. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems, and oversee production.
Container equipment design engineer: Container equipment design engineers design equipment to contain products or liquids, according to set specifications, such as boilers or pressure vessels. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems and oversee production.
Aerodynamics engineer: Aerodynamics engineers perform aerodynamics analysis to make sure the designs of transport equipment meet aerodynamics and performance requirements. They contribute to designing engine and engine components, and issue technical reports for the engineering staff and customers. They coordinate with other engineering departments to check that designs perform as specified. Aerodynamics engineers conduct research to assess adaptability of equipment and materials. They also analyse proposals to evaluate production time and feasibility.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Agricultural equipment design engineer: Agricultural equipment design engineers apply knowledge of engineering and biological science to solve various agricultural problems such as soil and water conservation and the processing of agricultural products. They design agricultural structures, machinery, equipment and processes.
Mechanical engineering technician: Mechanical engineering technicians provide technical support to mechanical engineers in producing and manufacturing mechanical machinery. They help make designs and adjustments, and perform tests. They also develop layouts and drawings, collate and interpret data and write reports.
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Aerospace engineer: Aerospace engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of flight vehicles such as aircrafts, missiles, and spacecrafts. The field of engineering they are active in, can be divided into two branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Surface engineer: Surface engineers research and develop technologies for manufacturing processes that assist in altering the properties of the surface of bulk material, such as metal, in order to reduce degradation by corrosion or wear. They explore and design how to protect surfaces of (metal) workpieces and products utilising sustainable materials and testing with a minimum of waste.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.

References

1. Material mechanics – ESCO