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Case Study

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


Incorporating simulation in courses enables students to apply what they learn in a hands-on way, helping them see real-world challenges they might face in their future careers. They sharpen their critical thinking and gain practical experience in choosing the right materials and manufacturing processes to design products that meet market needs.

Challenges

To give students a more practical learning experience in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing technologies, the right software was essential. Ansys Granta EduPack software was chosen because it offers easy access to a vast materials database, follows Professor Michael Ashby’s selection methods, includes rich educational resources, and works seamlessly with other Ansys tools.

The goal was to provide an integrated software solution that reflects how engineers solve problems: logically and systematically. It needed to be accessible to all students and help them connect concepts across different courses. With Granta EduPack software, students gain a deeper understanding of materials and manufacturing while learning how to make smart, data-driven material choices.

pedro armisen

Assistant Professor Pedro Armisén (Technical University of Madrid)

school of engineering and industrial design

Building of the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Design

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)
practical use case granta edupack

Practical case using Ansys Granta EduPack Hybrid Synthesizer

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.
selection of a hard ballistic composite

Selection of a hard ballistic composite

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