Course - Phase Transformations in Metals - TMT4260
Phase Transformations in Metals
About
About the course
Course content
The course includes the theoretical basis for understanding phase transformations in metals and a qualitative and quantitative description of technological important phase transformations in metals (with emphasis on aluminium) that are determining for the evolution of
microstructure and properties during (mainly) thermal processing.
The course starts with a short description of the thermodynamical basis for phase transformations. 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: Precipitation reactions, recrystallization, grain growth, and discontinuous and spinodal decomposition.
Learning outcome
The objective is to give insight into and knowledge about the thermodynamical basis for phase transformations and a quantitative description of technological important phase transformations in metals.
After completed the course (including the problem solving part) the students should be able to explain different models for binary solutions, and with basis in free energy considerations being able to account for binary phase diagrams and to do relevant thermodynamical calculations. The students should be able to explain and account for the atomic and mathematical description of diffusion and being able to use this to do analytical and numerical calculations related to relevant and important diffusion problems. The students should aquire thorough knowledge and understanding of the geometrical and structural aspects of phase boundaries and how these relates to grain boundary energy and mobility. Moreover, the students should know the theoretical basis for and mathematical description of classical models for phase transformations decribed by nucleation and growth, including precipitation reactions, recrystallization, grain growth, and discontinuous and continuous spinodal decomposition, and being able to use this in relevant quantitative calculations for kinetics and microstructure evolution. The students should aquire and in-depth understanding of qualitative and quantitative aspects related to aging and precipitation hardening in age-hardenable metals and alloys, inluding growth and coarsening of precipitates and how this relates to the materials' mechanical properties.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, problem solving and a mini project. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.
Recommended previous knowledge
Preferably TMT4170 Materials Technology 1 and TMT4175 Materials Technology 2 (for both subjects, see course descriptions for 2009/10) or similar.
Course materials
D.A. Porter and K.E. Easterling: Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys. Lecture notes.
Subject areas
- Physical Metallurgy
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Technological subjects