MATS15301
Microstructures of Materials
10
Semester 1
Undergraduate
Level 4
Xiaorong Zhou
Unit coordinator
Department of Materials
1
FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' First part HE study/Bachelors '
European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0
<p>This unit introduces the concept of a microstructure in materials science. The importance of microstructure in determining material properties is introduced. The hierarchy of a microstructure is discussed with examples from metallic, polymeric, ceramic, natural (bio) and composite materials. </p>
<p>This unit introduces the concept of a microstructure in materials science. The importance of microstructure in determining material properties is introduced. The hierarchy of a microstructure is discussed with examples from metallic, polymeric, ceramic, natural (bio) and composite materials. </p>
<ul> <li> Introduce the concept of a microstructure with examples from metallic, ceramic, polymeric, composite, and natural (biological) materials.</li> <li> Provide the skills to investigate and interpret common microstructural features in the above classes of materials using optical microscopy.</li> <li> Introduce the relationships between microstructure and phase equilibria (phase diagrams) for simple systems.</li> <li> Introduce the mechanisms that control evolution of microstructure during processing and the effect of process variables.</li></ul><p> </p>
<p>A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:</p>
<ul>
<li>
Knowledge and understanding</li>
<li>
Intellectual skills</li>
<li>
Practical skills</li>
<li>
Transferable skills and personal qualities</li>
</ul>
<div> a.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Understand the concept of a microstructure and its importance in determining material properties. </div><div> b.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Understand the hierarchy of microstructural features in materials. </div><div> c.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Define important microstructural concepts such as grains, second phase precipitates, spherulites etc. </div><div> d.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Know the value and limitations of phase diagrams in predicting and interpreting microstructures. </div><div> e.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Understand qualitatively the mechanisms of nucleation, growth, and diffusion and their relationship to microstructure. </div><div> f.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Understand how processing can be used to manipulate microstructures.</div><div> </div>
<div> a.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Apply a phase diagram to determine the likely microstructure present in a range of important material systems. </div><div> b.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Apply the Lever Rule to predict equilibrium phase fractions in a binary system. </div><div> c.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Relate observed microstructures to the underlying mechanisms of nucleation, growth and diffusion controlling their evolution. </div><div> d.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Recognise typical microstructural features in important engineering and biological materials, including simple steels and semi-crystalline polymers.</div><div> </div>
<div> a.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Analyse cooling curves and construct phase diagram using thermal analysis data.</div><div> b.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Examine micrographs of example materials obtained by using transmission or reflected light microscopy.</div><div> c.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Identify and characterize key microstructural features from the examining of micrographs.</div><div> </div>
<div> a.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Familiarization with the use of an optical microscope. </div><div> b.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ability to render accurate sketches from observations using microscopy. </div><div> c.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ability to relate theory to its practical consequences in the properties of materials. </div><div> d.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ability to perform a laboratory as part of a team and work effectively together.</div><div> </div>
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<p>This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments.</p>
1
Written exam
70%
2
Written assignment (inc essay)
30%
<p>Feedback given verbal + written</p>
N
<div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“An Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering” W. Calister., 2009. </div><div> •<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys” D. Porter and K. Easterling, 1996.</div><div> </div>
Lectures
20
0
80