Phase transformations and functional material properties

• Phase diagrams for metallic and ceramic material systems
• Phase transformations with the main focus on steel alloys
• Defects in crystalline materials, including dislocations and their role in the hardening of metals
• Diffusion in solids, with emphasis on metals and ceramics
• Alloys: steel (including stainless steel), cast iron, superalloys, titanium and aluminum alloys, heat treatment of steel and aluminum alloys
• Functional material properties (electrical, magnetic, optical and thermal properties) with applications in energy technology

After completing the course, the candidate is able to:

• Read and interpret phase diagrams for one- and two-component systems, and use the lever rule to determine the phase composition at given equilibrium conditions
• Use TTT and CCT diagrams for specific alloys to determine the microstructure achieved by various heat treatments of the alloy
• Describe different types of defects in crystalline materials, and how dislocations affect the mechanical properties of metals
• Describe diffusion in solids, and use relevant computer tools such as Python to make simple numerical simulations of diffusion
• Choose suitable alloys for different purposes based on relevant properties
• Explain the difference between metals, semiconductors and insulators based on their band structure, and how different types of band structure lead to different electrical, optical and thermal properties
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the magnetic properties of solids, different types of magnetic response, and applications of magnetic materials
• Use relevant computer tools, such as Ansys Granta EduPack, to compare and discuss different material properties
• Carry out group-based project work with innovative techniques and communicate results from the work
• Discuss material selection with regard to ethics and sustainability

Lectures, exercises, laboratory work, project work and self-study.

Expected time spent:

• Lectures: 55 hours
• Problem sets: 30 hours
• Laboratory work: 20 hours
• Project work: 20 hours
• Self-study: 75 hours
• Total: 200 hours