Examination arrangement

Course content

The course includes the theoretical basis for understanding phase transformations in metals as well as models and methods for a mathematical and numerical description of some technological important phase transformations in metals (with emphasis on aluminium) that are determining for the evolution of microstructure and properties during casting/solidification and thermal processing (heat treatments/welding). The course starts with a short description of the thermodynamical basis for phase transformations, based on the consideration of simple binary phase diagrams. It is followed by an atomistic and mathematical description of diffusion together with structural aspects of phase boundaries. After that a more detailed presentation of phase transformations by nucleation and growth is given, including homogeneous and heterogeneous solidification, precipitation, growth and dissolution of second phase particles, recrystallization and grain growth, including the concepts of Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) kinetics, additivity and iso-kinetic reactions. The topics will be presented and analysed by means of relevant mathematical/numerical models which the students themselves should implement and use/explore through 3-4 relevant mini projects.

Learning outcome

After the course is finished the students should be able to: - Describe and make use of binary phase diagrams to perform relevant thermodynamical calculations. - Be able to use simple thermodynamical data and models to calculate and analyse simple binary phase diagrams, incl. stable and metastable solvus lines. - Account for the atomistic description of diffusion, and moreover be able to use this in analytical and numerical calculations of a selection of relevant diffusion problems. - Describe geometrical and structural aspects of phase boundaries and explain how these aspects relate to interfacial energies and mobilities. - Describe the theoretical basis for, be able to formulate mathematically and apply classical models for phase transformations by nucleation and growth, including homogeneous/heterogeneous solidification, precipitation, growth and dissolution of second phase particles, recrystallisation and grain growth, and be able to make use of this knowledge to carry out relevant quantitative calculations (analytical and/or numerical) of kinetics and microstructure evolution during iso-thermal as well as non-isothermal thermal processing. - Analyse and describe how alloy composition and heat-treatment procedures influence growth and dissolution of second-phase particles in binary/quasibinary alloys during isothermal as well as non-isothermal heat treatments, including the theoretical basis for and use of iso-kinetic solutions. - Analyse and discuss limitations and validity of relevant theoretical models in relation to real life problems and industrial process conditions. - Evaluate and suggest suitable heat-treatment procedures in order to obtain desired microstructural conditions and properties by thermo-mechanical processing and welding of a selection of metals and alloys for structural purposes.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and computational mini-problems. Moreover 3 larger modelling projects, involving written reports (Power Point presentation), plenary presentations and individual questioning. Evaluation of the computational problems and the modelling projects serve as basis for the final grade. Total work load is estimated to be about 200 hrs (incl. independent home work).

Compulsory assignments

• Oblig

Further on evaluation

Assesment of the course is based on: 2 mandatory exercises with deadline approximately after 3-4 weeks + 3 term projects handed in in the form of Python code, the PPT presentation followed by an individual questioning. The overall evaluation will serve as a basis for the final grade, which will be given after the course is finished. The deadlines for the three term projects are approximately after 5, 10 and 14 weeks. Mandatory work has to be delivered again, if retaking the course.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of materials technology/engineering is recommended, e.g. completion of the courses TMT4171 Introduction to Materials Science and TMT4178 Applied Materials Technology or TMT4185 Materials Technology or equivalent previous knowledge to be evaluated by the course responsible to be satisfactory. Moreover basic knowledge of thermodynamics and phase diagrams is required. The course will include 3-4 mini modelling projects, that requires knowledge of and experience with numerical methods as well as implementation of mathematical/numerical models in Python or similar.

Course materials

Extracts from D.A. Porter and K.E. Easterling, Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys and seleceted relevant journal papers. In addition lecture notes will be made available via internett.