Making Materials Science and Engineering Practical for University Students

“Throughout my teaching career, I have consistently utilized Ansys Granta EduPack software to enhance the transmission of knowledge to my students. By integrating theoretical aspects with practical applications, Granta EduPack software brings the reality of the engineering profession into the classroom, making learning especially engaging for students. Its extensive educational resources and seamless integration with other Ansys software facilitate the design of new materials through simulation and enable rational selection processes, thereby providing real and practical meaning to theoretical teachings.” 

- Pedro Armisén, Assistant Professor, Technical University of Madrid

Engineering Solutions 

The following teaching methods were used to enhance learning:

• short exercises for hands-on practice with Granta EduPack software
• case studies featuring real-world projects that require choosing the right materials and processes
• flipped learning, in which students review new content at home and use class time for interactive activities that deepen their understanding
• online exams with short exercises on materials and processes selection and a comprehensive selection project

Granta EduPack software is an all-in-one software solution that helps students think like engineers. It guides them through picking the best materials or manufacturing processes for specific needs, lets them explore new materials and processes, and provides simulation and comparison tools. This approach strengthens their understanding of different materials, shows them how to make well-informed selections, and prepares them to solve real-world engineering problems.

The courses were taught within the Mechanical, Chemistry, and Industrial Design Department in the School of Engineering and Industrial Design. These included:

• Materials Science, Materials Engineering (undergraduate)
• Materials Process Selection, Materials Design and Selection (master’s)
• Materials Selection in Industrial Design (internationalization courses and seminars)

Benefits

Granta EduPack software has been highly beneficial to students by:

• integrating knowledge from different subjects through practical case studies, enhancing connections across the curriculum with Granta EduPack software as a central tool
• providing a user-friendly interface that encourages students to explore materials and processes, fostering critical thinking
• serving as a collaborative tool, enabling students to work in groups to solve real-world cases and discuss alternative solutions
• supporting logical reasoning in material and process selection, helping students analyze and compare options both individually and in teams
• offering broad access through a campus-wide license. This makes the software available across multiple subjects, including final degree and master’s projects, while complementing other Ansys simulation tools.