Materials Science & Engineering
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MSE470 : Physical Metallurgy

Phase transformations and hardening mechanisms in metallic systems. Nucleation, diffusion-controlled growth, spinodal decomposition and martensitic reactions. Strengthening mechanisms based on two-phase microstructure. Thermal stability.


Prerequisites: MSE350 (enforced)
Textbook: Phase Transformations in Metals & Alloys: Porter/Easterling

Course Topics:

  1. Overview of metallic systems.
  2. Crystallography of metallic systems.
  3. Thermodynamics of phases.
  4. Binary and ternary phase diagrams.
  5. Solidification.
  6. Diffusion, nucleation and growth, coarsening.
  7. Classes of phase transformations.
  8. Grain boundaries and interfaces.
  9. Recovery, recrystallization and grain growth.
  10. Light Alloys- Al and Mg.
  11. Titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, ferrous alloys, refractory alloys, precious alloys.

Course Objectives:

  1. To teach students the principles of physical metallurgy.
  2. To teach the application of thermodynamics and kinetics to metals and alloys.
  3. To teach students to understand microstructures of metals and how they arise from solidification and are modified by mechanical working and heat treatment.
  4. To teach the students the nature and properties metallic alloys use in a range of applications.

Course Outcomes:

  1. Using thermodynamic data, students should be able to calculate sizes and shapes of critical nuclei.
  2. Using binary phase diagrams, students should be able to predict the segregation characteristics of as-solidified binary alloys.
  3. Students should be able to use binary and ternary phase diagrams to construct thermal cycles to attain specific microstructures.
  4. Students will able to identify the major characteristics of homogeneous and non-homogeneous phase transformations.
  5. Students should be able to calculate interdiffusion coefficients for alloys and analyze Kirkendall diffusion effects.
  6. Given binary phase diagrams and diffusion information, precipitate growth kinetics can be predicted.
  7. Students should be able to calculate activation energies for recovery and recrystallization
  8. A property and process-based rationale can be used to select metallic systems for structural or functional applications.

Assessment Tools:

  1. Frequent homework assignments
  2. Project
  3. Two (2) mid-term exams and final exam