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.

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 specific mechanisms is knows as Tribology, which is about moving parts that touch and rub against each other. Friction and wear are problems that these mechanisms experience and that metallurgical engineers attempt to eliminate. Heat and wear analysis will show failure points. Tribology covers research into protective materials and lubrications to curb wear in moving parts and particularly items such as bearing.

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.

Scientists, and more specifically tribologists, are continually discovering more relationships to be used in metallurgical engineering and failure analysis. The importance of tribology lies in the definition - studying the wear of moving parts.

The largest markets in engineering currently are automobiles and aircrafts (commercial and military), and the vehicles are required to be reliable and safe. When parts wear, material is removed and the integrity of the part is compromised, therefore unable to perform its function reliably.

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

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.

Many large corporations utilize engineering consultants when expanding into new fields and new markets. If an automobile manufacturer decides to go into the jet engine business, it is the perfect opportunity to utilize an engineering consultant, or even consultants, to introduce them to the new market. This is the perfect way to familiarize themselves with design, processes of manufacture, materials and techniques of the engineering standards and requirements.

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.

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 consultants are specific to industries. Automotive, structures engineering, aerospace, materials engineering, manufacturing engineering and metallurgical engineering are a few. These engineers realize the need to work with a team to solve critical issues within industry and individual businesses. Demand is up for these engineers and will more than likely continue to grow.