ECC students discover the secrets of materials at the ECU Lab

Ever wondered why aeroplanes use aluminium while bridges rely on steel? Edith Cowan College (ECC) Diploma of Science (Engineering Studies) students uncovered the answers by stepping into the Materials and Manufacturing lab, Edith Cowan University’s world-class engineering lab.

The lab was all about tensile testing—stretching steel and aluminium until they break to reveal their hidden properties. Students measured properties such as ductility, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus, learning how these numbers reveal a material’s toughness and stiffness. Watching the stress-strain curves form on the screen was like seeing the material’s personality unfold—steel showing off its strength, aluminium flaunting its lightweight flexibility.

It wasn’t just about numbers. Students debated which material wins the strength-to-weight ratio battle. They also explored why accurate measurements matter and how errors can sneak in.

This lab was not only a test but also a journey into the world of engineering materials, connecting structure to performance and making science come alive.