Course - Modelling of Phase Transformations - TMT4260
Modelling of Phase Transformations
About
About the course
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 (selected) technological important phase transformations in metals (with emphasis on aluminium and steel) that are determining for the evolution of microstructure and properties during 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 conecpts 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:
- Be able to describe and make use of binary phase diagrams to perform relevant thermodynamical calculations.
- Be able to use simple thermodynamical models based on solubility products to calculate 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 paticles, recrystallisation and grain growth, and be able to make use of this knowledge to carry out relevant quantitative calculations (analytical and/or numerical)for kinetics and microstructure during iso-thermal as well as non-isothermal thermal processing.
- Ananlyse and describe how alloy composition and heat-treatment procedures influence precipitation and aging in age-hardenable alloys, including growth and coarsening of precipitattes and explain how this relates to mechanical properties.
- 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 problem solving. Moreover 3-4 modelling projects, involving small written reports, plenary presentations and individual questioning. The latter are mandatory activities which will serve as basis for the marking.
Recommended previous knowledge
Requires a basic knowledge of materials technology/engineeringcom e.g. pletion of the courses TMT4171 Materials Technology 1 and TMT4176 Materials Technology 2 or TMT4185 Materials Technology or equivalent previous knowledge to be evaluated by the course responsible to be satisfactory. The course will include 3-4 mini modelling projects, that requires some knowledge of and experience with numerical methods as well as implementation of mathematical/numerical models in Excel and/or Matlab or similar.
Course materials
D.A. Porter and K.E. Easterling: Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys and extracts from Ø. Grong: Metallurgical Modelling of Welding, Second Edition. In addition lecture notes will be made available via internett.
Subject areas
- Physical Metallurgy
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Technological subjects
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Knut Marthinsen
- Trond Furu
- Øystein Grong