| Abstract Scope |
One major objective of introductory courses in materials engineering that students learn to define, calculate, and use materials properties in design and selection. Just as the types of materials have expanded beyond polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites – so too have the types of materials properties. The embodied energy, recycling energy, and carbon footprint are also materials properties, and are readily available for thousands of engineering materials. Textbook problems can be modified to require consideration of sustainability considerations alongside technical engineering requirements. Such problems have no single solution and require students to think more broadly about competing objectives. They often meet ABET’s definitions for complex engineering problems and provide opportunities for students to address social, environmental, economic, and global issues alongside standard textbook exercises. Examples of how such problems are used in several courses in a mechanical and chemical engineering curriculum will be shared along with lessons learned. |