Course content

• 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

Learning outcome

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

Learning methods and activities

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

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Project work
• Laboratory work

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

IMAK1003 or equivalent

Course materials

William D. Callister Jr. and David G. Rethwisch, Callister's Materials Science and Engineering, 10th Edition, Global Edition, Wiley, 2019 (older editions of the text may also be used). Various distributed resources and literature.

Credit reductions